Hoyer Statement on October Jobs Report

"Over the past eight years, we've seen our economy go from losing hundreds of thousands of jobs a month to a historic turnaround with more than six years of consecutive job growth.  According to the report released this morning, the month of October continued that trend, with 142,000 private sector jobs added and the unemployment rate dropping to 4.9%. Our recovery has been strong, but its benefits must be felt more widely before we can truly move the American economy from recovery to resurgence.  Unless Congress plays a constructive role, that won't happen. 

"While the private sector was working hard to surge back, this Republican-led Congress did just about everything to stand in its way.  One manufactured crisis after another brought dangerous uncertainty that has held back private sector investment in expanding businesses and hiring more workers.  And as our economy has recovered, this Republican-led Congress has failed to address the uneven nature of our recovery, in which working families and the middle class have not experienced the growth in wages and opportunities that they have earned. 

"That's why House Democrats will continue to promote policies that encourage private sector growth that creates good jobs.  Through our Make It In America plan and our proposals to raise the minimum wage, ensure equal pay for women, and bring down the cost of higher education, we aim to put the full measure of the American Dream within reach for all who work hard in our economy.  Because everyone who works hard deserves not just to scrape by but to get ahead.

"If entrusted with the Majority next year, we will bring an end to the manufactured crises and constant gridlock that has prevented Congress from being a full partner with the private sector in creating jobs and opportunity.  We must not turn the clock back to recession but continue moving our country forward.  House Democrats are ready to do so by working tirelessly on behalf of working families and the middle class."