Labor Secretary Promotes Infrastructure Spending

U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis reacted to the latest jobs report by calling on lawmakers to approve new infrastructure spending aimed at putting construction workers back on the job.

Here’s Solis’ full statement:

“The private sector added 17,000 jobs in August, but those gains were offset by the loss of 17,000 government jobs. Total non-farm unemployment, therefore, was unchanged last month. The unemployment rate also remained unchanged at 9.1 percent.”

“Consumer confidence dropped sharply last month as Congress took the nation to the brink of default. We knew that this legislative gridlock was going to have repercussions, and the hiring slowdown reflected in today’s report shows the real-life consequences that political gamesmanship has on business decisions and workers’ lives. These numbers are a stark reminder that actions — and inaction — on Capitol Hill have consequences.”

“Next Thursday, President Obama will outline a bipartisan plan to create jobs and generate growth that pulls the best ideas from both political parties. If Congress is serious about job creation, the package will pass.”

“The time for partisan bickering is over. The American people are fed up. Concerned citizens need to get engaged in this process, contact their leaders in Congress and hold them accountable.”