The Economy and Jobs

Since January 2001, more than 3.1 million people have lost their jobs. Broken down, more than two American jobs have been lost for every minute George W. Bush has been President. Further, consumer confidence, which economists point out contributes to 2/3 of all economic growth, continues to decline and is at its lowest point in more than a decade.

When the economy slows into a recession, minorities bear the greatest burden. In fact, African Americans are more than two times as likely to be unemployed than whites, and Hispanics are more than one and a half times as likely. Economic growth plans must address this grim reality and reflect the needs of those hit hardest by economic downturns.

Throughout my tenure in the House of Representatives, I have been an outspoken supporter of working families. Immediately after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, I introduced the lead legislation extending unemployment insurance and health care for those who had lost their jobs as a result of the attacks. In a rally cry to working families throughout the country, I declared on the floor of the House of Representatives, "We need to fly planes, but [don't forget to] protect people."

In the 108th Congress, I have consistently stood up against the Bush Administration's efforts to privatize the federal workforce, and I sponsored an amendment that increased guaranteed funding for job training and education by more than $70 million in communities with the highest levels of unemployment.

I am proud to be a voice for America's workers.