Jobs Report Shows Middle Class is Still Struggling

On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the unemployment rate decreased from 7.9 percent in October to 7.7 percent in November. While it looks like good news at first glance, we must be cautious when considering these numbers. The unfortunate news is another 350,000 people gave up looking for work and dropped out of the labor force. This is why the unemployment rate decreased, not because a significant number of Americans found jobs. Individuals who drop out of the Iabor force are not counted in the unemployment rate. If they were, the current 7.7 percent unemployment rate would actually be closer to 11 percent.

Middle-class families continue to struggle due to this administration’s failed economic policies. Americans are frustrated with our sluggish economy, and millions of qualified individuals are still without work. Now the president is refusing to compromise and insists he will not even consider controlling our runaway spending problems until Republicans agree to raising tax rates, a policy that every credible study shows will cost hundreds of thousands of jobs and hurt the economy. Comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform is a real, bipartisan solution that will raise revenue, create jobs, and make the code simpler and fairer. I urge the president to meet us halfway on this common-sense solution to tackle both the financial and jobs crisis in this country.

Fiscal Cliff Deal Must Address Spending Problem

We are now a mere few weeks away from the fiscal cliff and the Obama Administration has yet to put forth a plan to address our nation’s unsustainable spending, deficits, and debt problem during the fiscal cliff negotiations. Republicans offered a reasonable, responsible, and balanced plan to address the fiscal cliff. Our plan for revenue will affect the same group of people as the president’s plan, the wealthy, but it does so in a way that prevents further harm to the economy. It includes spending cuts and new revenues from tax reform that closes special-interest loopholes rather than raising tax rates. Unfortunately, the White House placed Americans economic security on the back-burner by wasting another week with no counteroffer.

The current debt is more than $16 trillion, which is larger than the whole U.S. economy. This year’s interest payment on the debt alone is $220 billion. That $220 billion interest payment on the debt is enough money to buy: 18 aircraft carriers, 1,400 F-22 Raptor fighter jets, or fund 40 million Pell Grants. Any plan that does not address the root of the problem—this nation’s out-of-control spending habit—is not a real solution.
                
We are not fighting this battle simply for ourselves, but for our children and our families. Each child’s share of today’s federal debt burden is $51,000. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen has warned that our debt is “the biggest threat we have to our national security.” Our parents and grandparents left America better than they found it, and we have an obligation to do the same for our children.

On Wednesday, I discussed the fiscal cliff negotiations on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street program. Click the image below to watch the video.



EMS Memorial Dedication in Topeka

On Friday, I attended a memorial dedication for EMS attendants, including paramedics, EMTs, and other emergency workers, at the Landon building in Topeka. Much like our firemen, police officers, and other emergency workers, EMS attendants are often times the first people to arrive at the scene of an accident or tragedy and their selfless actions and swift care can mean the difference between life and death. I would like to thank those who serve our Kansas communities as EMS attendants, and acknowledge the sacrifices they make, especially those who lost their lives in the line of duty in the midst of helping others.

EMS attendants provide a vital service to our Kansas communities, and in my role as a Member of Congress, I am interested in the challenges that our emergency workers and volunteers face and what can be done to ensure they have the resources they need to get the job done.

The work of EMS attendants is invaluable, and they are usually an individual’s first step toward relief and recovery. A calm and compassionate EMS attendant can make a world of difference for someone who has been injured, experienced a trauma or has been affected by a disaster. It is a great comfort to know someone is there to help. Their commitment and dedication to saving lives and helping others deserves this recognition.

Topeka Open Office Hours on Monday, December 10

On Monday, December 10, I will host "Open Office Hours" in Topeka at 9:00 a.m. Open office hours are 5-10 minute private meetings, where folks have the opportunity to speak with me directly about the issues and concerns that matter most to them. Meetings are open to any second district resident on a first come, first serve, basis. Congressional staff will be on hand before and after to handle any additional casework requests. To make a reservation please contact Melissa in my Topeka office at 785-234-5966.

“Open Office Hours” are a part of my Congress to Kansas tour. To learn more about the tour, and my work in both in Washington and the 2nd district, visit my website.

Good Luck to the K-State Basketball Team

On Friday, the Kansas State basketball team stopped by my office in Washington, D.C. to go on a capital tour before their game against George Washington University this Saturday. Good luck Cats!