Straight Talk

Statement

Today, the Department of Labor announced that the unemployment rate rose to 9.6 percent as the economy shed 54,000 jobs while private sector employment increased marginally by 67,000.

As over 15 million Americans remain unemployed, only in Washington is a rising unemployment rate and insufficient job expansion labeled "positive news" by a President whose trillion-dollar "stimulus" plan failed to create promised jobs and keep unemployment below 8 percent.

While President Obama and the Congressional Majority have touted their wildly out-of-touch "Recovery Summer" campaign, each month thousands of Americans have lost their jobs. To start reducing the unemployment rate, our economy needs to add 150,000 - 200,000 jobs a month -- a level of growth nowhere near our current sluggish economic output.

Millions of unemployed Americans must wonder what it will take for President Obama and his Majority in Congress to admit that their failed policies are not working and to start supporting real solutions for job creation.

After assaulting American employers with higher taxes and unprecedented regulation, the Majority is poised to double-down on their job-killing policies by enabling the largest tax increase in American history on January 1 -- when many tax credits and lower tax rates expire for small businesses and American families. It's no wonder American businesses are not hiring under such an ominous cloud of uncertainty and government hostility.

I believe that it is time for a new direction in Washington. My Republican colleagues and I stand ready to support proven solutions for job creation and economic growth: smaller government and fast-acting tax relief that will empower American businesses to grow, invest, and hire more workers. Over 15 million unemployed Americans deserve better from Congress.

Richardson Chamber of Commerce

This week, the House of Representatives remained in recess for the District Work Period, and I continued to meet with constituents in North Texas.

On Tuesday, I met with the Richardson Chamber of Commerce to discuss our nation's current economic climate and to provide an update of the current policy debates in Washington. The attendees included several Richardson business leaders, young professionals, city government officials, and city employees, and they shared their concerns regarding the Majority's unsustainable fiscal agenda that has failed to meet the needs of hardworking North Texas families and small businesses.

In response to these concerns, we discussed pro-growth solutions centered on a fiscal agenda that curbs spending, lowers the tax burden to create jobs, and controls our debt to create a viable economy. These pro-growth solutions will provide financial relief for American families, allow businesses to reinvest in their companies, help strengthen the housing market, and eliminate unfair tax burdens. I enjoyed the opportunity to discuss fiscally-responsible solutions, and I appreciated the valuable input from the Richardson Chamber of Commerce about the needs and concerns of North Texas businesses.

Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

On Wednesday, I joined the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to provide a legislative update as the final keynote speaker for their "Straight Talk" series held this summer. I spoke to the Chamber members about our nation's current fiscal state, the long-term effects of "cap-and-trade" legislation, and the importance of a free market system. I also highlighted solutions that will combat the fiscally-reckless agenda of this Democrat-controlled Congress and assist North Texas businesses and families.

Congressman Sessions with a few attendees of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce "Straight Talk" event

Following my formal remarks, I had the opportunity to answer questions from the group regarding immigration. Our discussion included the need to reform our broken immigration system and the urgent need for security along our crime-ridden border.

Rotary Club of Prestonwood

On Wednesday, I also had the opportunity to visit with the Rotary Club of Prestonwood during their weekly meeting. The Rotary members and I discussed one of their founding principles: personal responsibility. Personal responsibility is a driving force in my work as a representative of the 32nd District, and I remain committed to being accountable to my constituents. Unfortunately, the American people have witnessed the current Majority in Congress losing touch with this responsibility, and it is past time that we get our nation back on track.

In addition to our discussion about personal responsibility, the Rotary Club members shared their concerns with me about our nation's rapidly growing deficit, debt, and unemployment. Policy questions from attendees included the importance of American competitiveness in the global economy.

I greatly value the opportunity to hear directly from constituents about their opinions, the challenges they face, and solutions for our community and nation. Next week, I will continue meeting with North Texans, and I look forward to keeping you updated about my work.

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