Chairman Emanuel Cleaver’s Statement on Today’s Unemployment Numbers

Washington DC – Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement on today’s unemployment numbers:

“For the second straight month, we have seen an increase in overall unemployment by .1%. Unemployment in the African American community has stayed the same – a painful 16.2%. Millions are still out of work and families are still struggling to make ends meet.

“After six months of controlling the House, the Republican Leadership continues to prevent critical jobs legislation from being considered and passed. Instead, they have cut funding to critical programs that directly serve our country’s most vulnerable communities, costing hundreds of thousands of jobs and further weakening our economy. Now, as the debt ceiling debate continues the Republican Leadership is still attempting to cut funding to vital programs such as Medicare and Social Security. I remain fearful that reckless spending cuts will severely undermine and prevent recovery for every American community. The CBC remains committed to responsibly reducing the deficit and raising the debt ceiling, while safeguarding the progress that we have made in the job market by investing in our future.  Investing in our communities goes hand in hand with full economic recovery. No investment, no recovery.

“As our communities’ unemployment rates continue to linger dangerously high, it is clear now more than ever, that we are in need of a serious jobs bill that puts Americans back to work, and back in control of their families’ futures. It is even more evident that we cannot rely on the Republican Leadership to deliver. That is why Members of the CBC have introduced over 40 jobs bills this Congress. We have kicked off our “For the People” Jobs Initiative, which will include townhall meetings and jobs fairs in cities around the country. The time to act is now, and the CBC is on the move.”

-          Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II