Congressional leaders highlight positive July jobs report amid slow economic growth

Leaders of the House of Representatives and Senate said that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) jobs report released on Friday was a positive indicator amid a period of slow economic growth.

BLS reported that 255,000 non-farm payroll jobs were added in July, while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.9 percent.

U.S. Sen. Dan Coats (R-IN), chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, said that the report was welcomed news amid what has been a period of slow economic growth in the United States.

“This month’s employment report is welcome news, especially after last week’s dismal second quarter GDP growth estimate, but we need a sustained period of strong job growth to improve confidence in the ongoing economic recovery,” Coats said. “In 2016 we have averaged a gain of 186,000 jobs per month, well short of last year’s monthly average of 229,000 new jobs. Reducing burdensome regulations and updating our outdated tax code would untie the hands of job creators and allow them to hire more workers, which would help our economy reach its full potential.”

U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) said that the jobs report doesn’t mask the fact that families have been waiting for the economy to improve under President Barack Obama.

“When 60 percent of Americans believe our economy is getting worse, House Republicans refuse to stand still,” Brady, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said. “We’re moving forward with a bold pro-growth agenda that will get our economy back to where it should be: in the lead. Our tax reform blueprint includes groundbreaking policies designed to unleash historic growth. By driving growth and investment, our plan will add millions of new jobs and significantly raise wages so workers, families, and job creators all can succeed and our economy can flourish.”

Chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee John Kline (R-MN) added that the report was a positive sign and proof of the economy’s resilience.

“But many Americans know that we have a long way to go before the country reaches its full potential,” Thune said. “That’s why House Republicans remain focused on removing regulatory barriers that hold workers and entrepreneurs back, lowering health care costs that burden families, and helping more Americans acquire the skills and education they need to compete in today’s workplaces. Our pro-growth agenda offers a better way for every American to achieve a lifetime of success and prosperity.”