Ranking Member Scott Statement on the August 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 142,000 jobs in August, and the unemployment rate ticked down from 4.3 to 4.2 percent. Four years ago, under the Trump Administration, the unemployment rate was double the current rate at 8.4 percent. This report also marks 43 consecutive months of job growth.
“Last week, Department of Labor Acting Secretary Julie Su visited my district and together we presented a $6 million check to the Hampton Roads Workforce Council to help establish a regional apprenticeship hub in Newport News. With investments like this one, the Biden-Harris Administration is creating opportunities for workers, building a resilient economy, and strengthening our nation’s competitiveness in the global market.
“In Congress, I am committed to building on this progress by investing in high-quality apprenticeship programs that help workers get ahead. That is why I led the bipartisan introduction of the National Apprenticeship Act which would add nearly one million apprenticeship opportunities over five years. I’ve also joined a group of lawmakers to introduce the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act to expand the allowable use of the Pell Grant to include high-quality, short-term training programs. Additionally, I’ve introduced the bipartisan A Stronger Workforce for America Act, which makes critical improvements to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) that will expand job training opportunities, strengthen the relationship between employers and the workforce system, and put more Americans on a pathway to the middle class.
“As we look forward, it is clear that sustained investment in our workforce will be key to achieving long-term economic prosperity. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive economy that works for everyone.”
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