Pelosi Statement on January Jobs Report

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. - Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after the Department of Labor announced that the economy added 243,000 jobs in January and the unemployment rate fell to 8.3 percent. With 257,000 jobs added by private businesses, this marks the 23rd consecutive month of private sector job growth:

"Today's jobs numbers are a clear sign that progress is being made, but now is not the time to take the pressure off in our work to create jobs. The middle class can't afford another year of a Republican 'do nothing' Congress.

“Our immediate priority is to extend the payroll tax cut so that 160 million Americans don't face a tax hike and extend unemployment insurance to help those who lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

"House Democrats want to reignite the American Dream, rebuilding the pillars of America that have made our economy strong: small businesses, entrepreneurs, and an all-inclusive and thriving middle class. It's time for Republicans to join Democrats in getting the job done on behalf of the American people.

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