Chairman Scott Statement on November Jobs Report
WASHINGTON – Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statisticsannounced that the economy added 245,000 jobs in November with the unemployment rate at 6.7 percent.
“Today’s report signals that economic recovery is continuing to slow as our nation faces one of the worst economic and public health crises in history. As COVID-19 cases and deaths skyrocket in nearly every state across the country, we continue to confront the disastrous impacts of the Trump Administration’s failed response to the pandemic.
“Let’s be clear: Record-high jobless claims are not a reflection of a successful economy. Just last week, more than 700,000 Americans filed new unemployment insurance claims—continuing to exceed the record-high number of claims under previous administrations (695,000 claims in October 1982). Initial unemployment claims under President Trump for each of the last 37 consecutive weeks have exceeded unemployment claims under any other president in the history of the program. What’s more, we are barreling toward the end-of-year expiration of CARES Act pandemic unemployment programs, with an estimated 12 million workers expected to lose their jobless benefits during the holiday season.
“In order to save the economy, we must crush the COVID-19 virus so workers can safely return to work. Fortunately, we have the tools we need. Months ago, the House passed the Heroes Act, which secures funding for testing and vaccines, provides resources for public schools to reopen safely, and supports unemployed workers and struggling businesses. In his last several weeks in office, I urge President Trump and Senate Republicans to pass this critical relief package.
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