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Hoyer: Disappointing Job Growth in June Epitomizes Republicans’ Dismal Record

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement this morning after the Department of Labor announced that the economy gained 146,000 jobs in June, or 4,000 fewer jobs than are needed each month to keep pace with population growth:

“The Labor Department’s employment report for June is certainly not bad news for American workers.  The fact that 146,000 Americans were added to the payrolls is actually good news for every single worker who was fortunate enough to find a job last month.

“However, this jobs report pierces the spurious claims by the Bush Administration and Congressional Republicans that their economic policies are working.  This jobs report is not only disappointing but also further proof of the Republicans’ dismal jobs record over the last four years.

“Economists generally agree that the American economy needs to add 150,000 jobs each month just to keep pace with population growth.  Yet, that figure has been exceeded in just eight of the 53 months since President Bush took office.  That record is certainly nothing to crow about.

“The inescapable fact is that during the current Administration, the American worker keeps falling further and further behind.  Democrats are absolutely committed to economic policies that promote vigorous job growth and that rein in the record budget deficits and debt that have been created over the last four years.”

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