Ranking Member Scott Statement on March Jobs Report

Ranking Member Scott Statement on March Jobs Report

WASHINGTON - Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy gained 178,000 jobs in March, and the unemployment rate ticked down from 4.4 percent to 4.3 percent.

"Families across the country are being squeezed by rising prices for groceries, housing, health care, and gas prices- increases that can all be attributed to policy choices by this Administration. For millions of working people, every paycheck is being stretched thinner and thinner.

"Instead of focusing on lowering costs and making life more affordable, the Trump Administration is doubling down on a reckless and costly war of choice. It has been reported that the Administration plans to seek $200 billion for this war-resources that could instead support students, workers, and families here at home. As President Trump himself said earlier this week, 'We're fighting wars. We can't take care of daycare.'

"Working families are not looking for handouts. They are looking for a fair shot. They want the ability to support themselves, their families, save for the future, and enjoy basic financial security. We have the tools to make that a reality by investing in jobs, education, and workforce development, but this Administration is choosing a different path.

"One of the traditional measures of the success of the economy has always been the number of jobs created. By this point in their respective terms, President Biden created 8.5 million jobs with average monthly gains of 604,000 jobs compared to 369,000 total jobs with average monthly gains of 26,000 jobs during President Trump's second term. These differences underscore the impact of President Trump's disastrous policy choices.

"The American people deserve an economy that works for them, not just those at the top. Democrats remain committed to lowering costs, raising wages, creating jobs, and ensuring Americans have the opportunity to build better lives for themselves and their families."

To see a chart comparing the cumulative seasonally adjusted job change by month between President Trump's first and second terms, and President Biden's presidency, click here.

To see a chart comparing the total job change between President Trump's first 14 months in office and President Biden's first 14 months in office, click here.

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