Ranking Member Scott Statement on December Jobs Report

Statement

“Today’s jobs report caps another strong year for the labor market. Since President Biden took office, the economy has created 14.3 million jobs. Congressional Democrats have consistently prioritized people over politics by making smart investments that create high-paying, quality jobs and lower costs for everyday Americans.

“Moreover, these investments have also helped combat the rising costs of everyday goods and services relied on by Americans. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, over the past year, seniors on Medicare have enjoyed access to insulin for just $35—saving seniors thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses and ensuring they do not have to choose between life-saving medicine and putting food on the table. And just this week, Sanofi became the latest top insulin manufacturer to cut the cost of insulin for even more consumers.

Unfortunately, House Republicans’ dysfunction once again threatens our economic progress. Amidst a looming government shutdown, the House GOP continues to block funding for crucial child care services that Democrats initially secured in the American Rescue Plan. This funding would prevent a potential crisis for millions of families struggling to afford child care.

Instead, we should be focused on advancing two bipartisan bills—the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act and A Stronger Workforce for America Act—that would help Americans get the skills and support they need to benefit from our economic growth. By expanding Pell Grant eligibility to high-quality, short-term training programs, the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act would allow more adults to attend and complete courses that will help them compete in the modern economy. A Stronger Workforce for America Act would make critical updates to our workforce development system to better connect workers with good-paying job opportunities and help employers access a pipeline of talented workers. These proposals will help continue to grow the economy from the bottom up and the middle out.

Now is not the time to reverse our progress on the economy. I remain committed to opposing any effort that gambles with the lives of everyday Americans in order to engage in political grandstanding.”

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