Jobs & the Economy
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.
“The report this morning by the Bureau of Economic Analysis that our economy grew by 1.7% last quarter is encouraging news. In spite of uncertainty caused by Congress’s failure to provide clear direction in fiscal and economic policy – and the ongoing sequester that exacerbates that uncertainty – America’s businesses, workers, and entrepreneurs continue to show the resilience of our economy. But we must do more to help turn resilience into prosperity.
“I thank the Gentleman. Let me start with the fact that I choose to believe that Mr. [Congressman Tom] Latham does not like this bill. Mr. Latham's not listening to me. Mr. Chairman, I wanted to say that [as] I start my debate, that I choose to believe that you do not like this bill.
“In his speech today in Chattanooga, President Obama reiterated his commitment to creating jobs that pay well and provide the opportunities that sustain a strong and growing middle class. I am glad he made a point of noting how critical our manufacturing sector is when it comes to achieving this goal – and how for the first time since the 1990’s, America’s manufacturing sector is growing.
As Republicans head home for the August district work period, they leave behind a disappointing record of unfinished business and partisan message bills. So far, House Republicans have not taken action on crucial legislation, including finishing a budget, stopping the sequester, completing the appropriations process, addressing the debt ceiling to give certainty to our economy, creating jobs, or passing comprehensive immigration reform.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
On Wednesday, President Barack Obama reaffirmed his commitment to creating jobs, growing our economy, and helping Americans succeed. Many of the issues he discussed align with House Democrats’ Make It In America jobs plan, and I am committed to pushing for these common-sense proposals to advance in Congress.
“Today’s remarks by the President underscore both the enormous progress we have made over the past four years toward economic recovery as well as how much more work remains in order to restore economic security for the middle class and those striving to reach the middle class. While our markets are doing well, jobs are being created each month, and the housing market is in recovery, too many Americans remain out of work, and many middle-class families are still struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living.
Over the weekend, Speaker John Boehner tried to defend the House Republican leadership’s lack of legislative accomplishments. When asked on Face the Nation about the 113th Congress’ record as the least productive in history and its low approval rating, Speaker Boehner attempted to redefine how to judge success:
“To build and sustain a strong middle class, we must take steps to empower women as leaders and full participants in our economy. America’s success depends on economic security for every family and individual, especially women who serve not only as primary caregivers, but increasingly as primary breadwinners.
“I am pleased that the Senate took the important step today of confirming Tom Perez as our country’s next Secretary of Labor. As our economic recovery continues, America’s workers will benefit from a Labor Department with the dynamic leadership I know Secretary Perez will bring.
“Mr. Speaker, for civilian defense employees at Pax River Naval Air Station, Webster Field, and the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Indian Head, all of which I represent – and Mr. Jones, who's on the Floor, represents a substantial number as well in his district – sequestration hit home last week as furloughs began. The same is true for 650,000 civilian defense workers throughout our country.