Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Labor reported that the unemployment rate last month rose to 7.9 percent from 7.8 percent in September:

           “For too long this recovery has felt like one step forward followed by two steps back, and today’s report only adds to that frustration.  Millions of American job seekers are looking for a sign of growth as we approach the holiday season, and they deserve better.  After four years of economic gridlock, we have an important opportunity to make a difference when Congress returns to Washington to address the fiscal cliff.  Many employers are waiting to see how high their tax bills may climb in 2013 before they make hiring decisions.  That’s why the most immediate thing we can do to promote job growth is stop the looming tax hike on January 1st and give American families the fiscal certainty they need.  Those who want to drive us off the fiscal cliff in order to secure higher taxes and more spending aren’t thinking about the millions of Americans out of work, and that has to change.”

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