Van Hollen Statement on the June Jobs Report

Statement

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Assistant to the Speaker, issued the following statement on the June jobs report from the Department of Labor, which showed that the unemployment rate dropped from 9.7 percent to 9.5 percent:

"Today's employment numbers are a clear reminder that while we've made progress, our work on the economy is far from complete and this is a fragile recovery. As expected, temporary Census jobs have dropped off, and last month saw continued gains in the private sector and the unemployment rate is down. We have also seen positive signs in Maryland, where the unemployment rate has dropped to 7.2 percent and we have seen three straight months of jobs gains. But these gains are little comfort to the families in our State and across the country who are still suffering, and our work will not be done until all people have a more secure financial future.

"President Obama and Congressional Democrats continue to do everything possible to rebuild an economy damaged by eight years of irresponsible policies. Recently, the House passed legislation to create jobs and close foreign tax loopholes that sent jobs overseas; an extension of unemployment benefits that will help both the economy and Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own; and funding to keep 140,000 teachers in their jobs. We will keep working to strengthen our economy and improve our fiscal outlook -- even if our Republican colleagues choose to oppose our efforts and put short-term political gain before the needs of American families."

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