Jobs & the Economy

Creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity continues to be Democrats’ top priority.

Throughout the 117th Congress, House Democrats have partnered with President Biden to enact policies that expand economic opportunity for businesses, workers, and communities across America. Under President Biden and Congressional Democrats, the unemployment rate is at its lowest in more than 50 years with more than 10 million jobs created, helping more of our people get ahead in today’s economy and Make It In America.
 
Democrats pursue an economic agenda that helps American businesses create good-paying jobs and ensure that workers have the tools not only to get by but to get ahead in our global economy.  From raising the minimum wage to providing skills training and apprenticeship opportunities to ensuring equal pay for equal work, from making childcare more affordable to making it easier to save for retirement, Democrats’ economic policies are aimed at helping workers and their families attain real economic security at every stage of life. 
 
Democrats have also delivered historic legislation investing in infrastructure and greater access to high-speed internet, taking the lead in the clean-energy economy, and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. The generational Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has already begun to expand economic opportunity for Americans in communities across the country and takes action to repair our nation’s roads, bridges, ports, and other infrastructure while creating nearly 1.5 million jobs annually over the next decade. It contains the first major American investment in climate resilience to help communities upgrade their critical infrastructure and mitigate the impact of climate change-driven extreme weather. Likewise, the Inflation Reduction Act also advances America’s clean energy goals, turbocharging clean energy research and transmission while promoting electric vehicle domestic manufacturing to reduce American dependence on gasoline while revitalizing our auto industry.
 
The CHIPS and Science Act includes bipartisan measures to revitalize the domestic semiconductor industry and spur research. By strengthening domestic supply chains, this law acts directly to accelerate American innovation in the long-term while acting immediately to address inflation and create good paying jobs. House Democrats will continue to champion skills training and education at every level – from early childhood learning through higher education – to prepare our people for success and advancement in a changing economy.  In all of these efforts, Democrats will continue to look for ways to make access to opportunities more equitable and to combat the lingering effects of legalized discrimination that continue to make it harder for minorities to access credit for loans, seek investment capital for startups, and build wealth to pass on to the next generation. 
 
With historic job creation under President Biden, House Democrats will continue to advance policies that expand economic opportunity for working families, support small businesses, and create better-paying jobs.

Related
Hoyer Statement on Small Business Jobs and Credit Act
In our work to recover from the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes, small businesses play a very important role. They are our economy's job-creating engine: over the past year, 64% of new jobs came from small businesses. Keeping small businesses growing and creating jobs is essential to our recovery. And supporting small businesses is an essential part of rebuilding American industry—which is why this important small business lending bill is part of Democrats' Make It In America agenda, a plan to strengthen American manufacturing and its ability to create well-paying, middle-class jobs.
The Real Republican Agenda: Standing Against Small Business and Job Creation

This week, the contrast is clear: Republicans unveil their agenda for the wealthy, while Democrats bring to the Floor legislation that will advance our Make It In America agenda and help businesses grow and create jobs by providing tax cuts and increased lending.

Hoyer on MSNBC's The Ed Show
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) discussed the real Republican agenda on MSNBC's The Ed Show this evening. See below for excerpts of the interview and a link to the video.
The Real Republican Agenda: Ready to Turn Over Middle Class Retirement Security to the Whims of Wall Street

While Democrats fight to strengthen Social Security for retiring Americans, Republicans, who have opposed Social Security from its beginning, continue to push for its privatization. Republicans want to give big bankers on Wall Street control over Americans' retirement security instead of hardworking, middle class Americans.

Hoyer: The recipe for recovery
Members of Congress have spent the past few weeks in their districts, meeting with constituents and hearing their concerns. House Democrats have held more than 1,800 events in their districts this past work period.
Democrats Move Economy Forward with ‘Make It In America’ Legislation
House Democrats ensured passage of three Make It In America bills this week.
Hoyer Statement on Senate Passage of the Small Business Lending Act
The Small Business Lending Act that passed the Senate today is a critical part of Democrats' efforts to keep creating jobs and strengthening the economy. I'm disappointed that only two Republicans stood with us in support of small businesses, who need access to capital to grow and add more jobs.
Hoyer Statement on Passage of Rural Energy Savings Program Act

Today the House passed the Rural Energy Savings Program Act, also known as the RuralStar program. RuralStar establishes loans that help rural families, and families all over the country, retrofit their homes and enhance energy efficiency. It is part of the Make It In America agenda, a plan to boost manufacturing and create secure, middle-class jobs for American workers. The House has passed 10 Make It In America bills to strengthen job-creating industries at home, invest in our workforce, and fight for a fair playing field for American companies; three have already been signed into law.

Dems Point To Big Firms Meeting Definition Of 'Small Biz'
Meet the new faces of the GOP's definition of "small businesses" that would be affected by looming tax increases on households earning more than $250,000 under the Democrats' tax plans.
Hoyer Statement In Response to Reports on His Pen and Pad Tax Cut Comments
In response to a question about tax cuts for middle income taxpayers, I reiterated my position that I was for extending those tax cuts for families earning $250,000 or less. I was then asked, if I would be willing to talk about going above that level. I reiterated my position. But as always, I was willing to talk to others about their positions. Unfortunately, the reports of my answer implied a willingness to support an extension of Bush policies. That is incorrect.