12.06.24

Ranking Member Scott Statement on November Jobs Report

WASHINGTON  Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 227,000 jobs in November and the unemployment rate ticked up slightly from 4.1 to 4.2 percent. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the economy has grown steadily, adding 16.4 million jobs since President Biden took office. To date, President Biden is the first President on record without a month of job loss in the seasonally adjusted data. Every other administration has seen at least one month of job loss.

“Today’s job report is a testament to the responsible stewardship of the economy led by Congressional Democrats and the Biden-Harris Administration over the past four years. Democrats have worked tirelessly to safeguard and uplift working families, and that work has paid off. Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has overseen the creation of 16.4 million jobs while constantly fighting for the safety and dignity of workers. President Biden has created more jobs in four years than any other President. In addition, the only President on record to create more jobs while in office is President Clinton, who added 22.9 million jobs. Even President Reagan did not create as many jobs in eight years as President Biden has created in nearly four years.

“As we look to the future, we must fight to protect that legacy against Donald Trump’s irresponsible and dangerous economic agenda which aims to make the one percent richer and leave working Americans struggling. Our priority must be to put workers and their families first. 

“Ensuring all workers have access to workforce development opportunities is a fundamental piece of this puzzle. Fortunately, we have a commonsense bipartisan, bicameral solution to this problem. Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), we have made crucial improvements to workforce development across the country. However, a decade after its passage, WIOA still faces hurdles that impede its ability to ensure job seekers—including those without a bachelor’s degree—can access good-paying jobs.  That is why Congress must pass A Stronger Workforce for America Act, which makes critical improvements to WIOA that will increase the amount of skills development provided under the law, strengthen connections between employers and the workforce system, and put more Americans on the pathway to a successful career.

“In Congress, it is our duty to put the welfare and dignity of the American people first. By strengthening our workforce development system and creating good jobs, we can continue to sustainably grow the economy for workers and their families for years to come.”

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