WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statement today regarding the September unemployment report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

U.S. Congressman Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statement today regarding the September unemployment report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“In September, we saw the unemployment rate fall to 7.8 percent. While it is encouraging to see job growth, many Americans are skeptical of the rate reported this morning, because job growth did not exceed what our nation needs to keep up with population growth. Further, the reason that the unemployment rate went down in September is because seven Americans dropped out of the workforce for every person who found a job — this trend has been recurring with nearly each jobs report of the Obama economy.  As a result, America’s labor participation rate is only 63.6 percent and remains near an all-time low. If the labor force participation rate was at the same level as when the president took office, the unemployment rate would be at 10.7 percent. The bottom line is that more and more Americans have become frustrated and stopped looking for work and there are over 23 million of our friends and neighbors who are still asking where the jobs under the Obama ‘recovery’ are?

 “Just last week, the Department of Commerce issued its update showing that the GDP has grown only 1.3 percent for the second quarter, lower than previously projected. Americans have grown tired of the president’s record of deficits, doubt and decline which has buried the middle class under debt, falling incomes and high unemployment. Americans should not have to suffer under these failed policies. House Republicans have passed over 3 dozen jobs bills which would help businesses flourish, encourage job creation and grow our economy. Yet, the Democrat-controlled Senate refuses to take action on these bills as American families continue to hurt. There is no time like the present to forge a path for promise, prosperity and security for our future.”

Congressman Bill Flores represents the 17th District of Texas and is an entrepreneur, former energy executive, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and member of the House Budget, Natural Resources and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.

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