Van Hollen Statement on the November Jobs Report

Press Release

"Today's jobs report marks the eleventh consecutive month of private sector job growth and a net increase of 39,000 jobs in November. This is important progress as our economy recovers from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, but it was not enough to prevent an increase in the unemployment rate. The economy is growing, but not fast enough, and millions of Americans remain unemployed through no fault of their own. As men and women across our country try to make ends meet, it is troubling that our Republican colleagues continue to block critical unemployment benefits that will allow families to remain in their homes and put food on the table -- not to mention boost the economy. With so many people struggling or unable to get by, this partisan obstruction is unacceptable.

"Creating jobs and protecting the interests of the vast American middle class are our top priorities. As part of that commitment, the House voted to give everyone a tax cut -- without having to borrow and spend an additional $700 billion to give a bonus tax cut to millionaires and billionaires and blow a huge hole in our deficit. Unfortunately, the Republican Leader disparaged these tax cuts and almost every single House Republican voted to raise taxes on those who need relief the most. I hope my Republican colleagues, who now share responsibility for governing, decide to stop holding tax cuts for the middle class hostage and work with us to strengthen our economy and create jobs."

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