05.08.20

Chairman Scott Statement on April Jobs Report

WASHINGTON – Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy lost 20.5 million jobs in April with the unemployment rate at 14.7  percent.

“Today’s jobs report reflects the devastating economic reality facing students, workers, and families across the country. The share of workers facing unemployment has risen to heights not seen since the Great Depression. Unless our federal response matches the scale of this unprecedented challenge, the COVID-19 pandemic will result in a prolonged period of economic hardship for tens of millions of our fellow Americans.

“While the first three COVID-19 response packages were steps in the right direction, it is clear that Congress must pass additional long-term relief to see our nation through this crisis. The upcoming legislative package must provide direct and substantial relief for state and local governments, establish emergency safety protections for workers, and protect access to health care for the millions of workers at risk of losing their insurance along with their jobs. 

“The additional emergency relief legislation will provide the American people the support they need to make it through this difficult time, but Congress must act with purpose to confront the full scale of this national crisis.” 

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