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.
We’re guessing Republicans didn’t enjoy reading today’s editorial in the New York Times, which offered them some harsh reality about the harmful effects to the economy if they left the sequester hit. It’s a pretty rough look in the mirror for Republicans:
“Today’s report by the Institute for Supply Management reaffirms the strength of America’s manufacturing sector and its potential to keep growing and creating well paying jobs. This first report of 2013 shows that manufacturing continues to expand, helping to grow our overall economy for the 44th month in a row.
“The jobs report released this morning by the Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us what we already know: our recovery continues, but there is more Congress must do to help the private sector create job opportunities. With 166,000 private sector jobs added in January, more Americans are getting back to work. Yet too much uncertainty about America’s finances and our ability to invest for the future still makes it difficult for the private sector to expand and create jobs that pay well and grow our middle class.
“I am disappointed that our GDP has contracted for the first time since 2009. We ought not to be very surprised, though, as House Republicans’ preoccupation with partisan games has led to Congressional inaction that has created uncertainty for businesses and markets. Today’s news is further proof that we must resolve the differences that have so far kept Congress from reaching a big and balanced deal to reduce deficits, replace the sequester, instill certainty in our economy, and invest in creating new jobs. House Democrats are ready to do what it takes to reduce our deficits in a balanced way and to invest in growing our economy, and I hope Republicans will set partisanship aside and work with us to achieve these goals.”
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
Earlier this week, I was proud to witness the second inauguration ceremony for President Barack Obama. On that day, we had an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the last four years, while looking ahead to the challenges we continue to face.
“I want to say to the Speaker before he leaves the Floor, I believe the Speaker wants to get to a responsible agreement between our parties, between the House and the Senate and between the Congress and the President on getting to a responsible way to reduce the budget. This bill is not that vehicle. This bill, in my view, is an irresponsible waste of our time. This bill does not do what Republicans said they wanted to do over and over and over again. And that is: give a sense of certainty to our economy, to our people, and to the international community.
“I join in thanking U.S. Trade Representative Amb. Ron Kirk for his four years of dedicated service as America’s chief advocate for exports and fair trade practices. Under his leadership, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative oversaw the opening of new markets for our businesses and the implementation of tougher trade enforcement rules that help ensure a level playing field for American products overseas. Throughout this tenure, Amb. Kirk has stressed that when American businesses can compete fairly, they will prosper and create new opportunities for jobs here at home. He has been a strong supporter of American workers and their role as the engine of our economic growth, and I was glad to have had the opportunity to work with him in developing parts of House Democrats’ Make It In America jobs plan to revitalize our manufacturing sector. I wish him all the best as he embarks on the next phase in his career.”
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill providing comprehensive aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy. While this relief should have been passed before the end of the last Congress, I am glad that the people in the Northeast most affected by this natural disaster will be able to receive the much needed tools and support they need to rebuild their homes, businesses and communities.
"I join in congratulating Jack Lew on his nomination as our next Secretary of the Treasury and thanking Tim Geithner for his steady leadership during a time of extraordinary economic challenges. Jack’s extensive public and private sector experience, his knowledge of both the fiscal and financial, will be an invaluable asset in this new role. He understands the economy and what makes it tick.