Rep. Carney Statement on President Obama's Jobs Speech

Statement

Congressman John Carney (D-DE) tonight released the following statement after President Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress:

"The unemployment rate is stuck at 9.1 percent. 14 million Americans are out of work. Close to 9 million more are employed part-time but seeking a full-time position. And another 2.2 million have given up hope and stopped looking for work altogether. In Delaware, unemployment for the month of July was 8.1 percent, slightly better than the national average but still unacceptable.

"I've put forward a number of proposals to spur job creation, but I know we need to do more. There is a jobs crisis in this country, and Congress as a whole must work together to solve it.

"Tonight, President Obama asked Congress to pass the American Jobs Act, a practical plan to create jobs that should generate bipartisan support in Congress since it's modeled on both Democratic and Republican ideas. Both parties agree that government must create an environment that gives employers the incentives and confidence they need to hire new workers. The American Jobs Act is a good start, but there is more work to be done.

"I'm proud to support the Make It In America agenda, which includes serious proposals to rebuild our manufacturing sector and create jobs in the United States through smart tax policy, clean energy initiatives and public-private infrastructure investments. We should also continue to reduce burdensome and unnecessary regulations on small businesses without compromising the basic health and safety standards we need.

"In his speech this evening, President Obama also challenged Congress to make America more competitive in the long run. To do that, we must make smart investments in critical areas while agreeing on a deficit reduction plan that shows the global financial markets and the business community that the United States can deal with its problems in a responsible manner. We know that a strong and growing economy is the best way to reduce the deficit. By working together on a jobs agenda and a deficit reduction plan, Congress can eliminate business uncertainty, improve predictability, and encourage hiring. Now is not the time to play politics with our economy.

"It is my hope that the Republican leadership in the House will bring the American Jobs Act to the floor for a vote immediately. Congress should pass this legislation to create jobs in the short-term and make America more competitive in the long-term. Moving forward, I will continue to look for creative, bipartisan ways to address our nation's economic crisis and put people back to work."

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