Congressman Xavier Becerra on Strong September Jobs Report

Press Release

Today, Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement after the Department of Labor announced that the economy added 248,000 jobs in September and the unemployment rate dropped to 5.9 percent:

"Nothing replaces the respect and dignity of hard work and knowing you are providing for your family. Today, 248,000 Americans have a new job and a new lease on life. They are coming home to their families standing tall and proud.

"Our economy continues to grow. U.S. businesses added jobs for the 55th consecutive month. In that span of time, 10.3 million Americans have secured a new job. Our unemployment rate now stands at 5.9 percent, its lowest point in six years.

"Those numbers are great. Coming home every week with a paycheck is even better.

"We can build on that success. Better said, we must build upon it: there are still Americans persevering through the Wall Street-driven recession of 2008. President Obama has led the way, focusing on rebuilding our aging infrastructure -- our roads, railways, waterways and schools -- and investing in industries of the 21st century, like broadband and biotech.

"America faces many challenges: Wall Street excesses, a shutdown, do-nothing Congress, threats from zealots abroad. But, like the American with the new paycheck, nothing can keep us down."

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