Washington, DC– U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Labor reported an increase in the national unemployment rate to 9.2 percent:

          “American businesses -- not government spending -- create jobs.  Today’s disappointing jobs report marks the 29^th month in a row that unemployment has remained over eight percent.  We don’t need a 30^th reminder that Washington’s unwillingness to deal with the debt has drained our economy of confidence and frozen the job market.  It’s past time to move ahead on policies that will cut energy costs, open foreign markets to American-made goods, lift tax and regulatory burdens on small businesses, and reform the patent process to speed innovation.  American workers have made it clear that jobs must be our top priority, and that requires leadership from the White House and a willingness to work together to cut spending.  I and my House colleagues stand ready to get it done, and I hope the President’s actions during this month’s negotiations reflect the same attitude.”

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