Congressman Xavier Becerra on the March Jobs Report

Statement

Today, Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement after the Department of Labor announced that our economy added 88,000 jobs in March and the unemployment rate dropped to 7.6 percent -- the lowest level since December, 2008. With private businesses adding 95,000 jobs in March, this marks the 37th consecutive month of private sector growth:

"Every time an American worker is put back on the job, it's a sign of economic progress. In the last 3 years, private businesses have hired 6.5 million workers. Unfortunately, during that same time, more than 700,000 Americans have lost their jobs in the public sector. And, while more must be done to grow our economy, Republicans in Congress passed a budget plan that would cost 2 million Americans their jobs next year alone.

"Making matters worse, many Americans are now feeling the effects of the reckless Republican budget sequester cuts -- thousands of workers are being furloughed, programs designed to ensure that our children have the education that they need are being suspended and cancer clinics are turning away patients. America's working families deserve better.

"Clearly, our work to set the course for sustained economic growth into the future and put our country back on track is not yet done. When Congress returns from yet another recess, it must enact proposals that will boost economic growth, create jobs and strengthen the middle class."

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