Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ga.-14) issued the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the January jobs report Friday showing the unemployment rate increased to 7.9 percent:
“This disappointing jobs report reflects Washington’s priority of empowering itself. It’s no surprise that businesses cannot grow and create jobs in the midst of massive tax increases and with the Administration threatening even more taxes and regulations this year. Rather than a plan for private sector expansion, the president’s focus has been on taking resources from our communities in order to aid government growth.
“With the recent victory of passing ‘No Budget, No Pay,’ the House must continue to lead the way toward a balanced budget. We must reverse course and begin to transfer power out of Washington and back to our families and businesses so our communities can grow and prosper again.”
Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (Tn.-04) said:
“While government bureaucracy continues to flourish in the Obama Economy, hardworking Tennesseans are still struggling to make ends meet.
“Rather than focusing on jobs, President Obama believes that restricting our Second Amendment rights is the most important thing for the federal government to address. This president is more concerned about global warming than the $16 trillion debt that is holding back job creation and threatening the future of our children and grandchildren.
“Businesses in Tennessee know that deficits today will have to be paid with tax increases tomorrow. Therefore, one of the surest ways to get businesses back to hiring is to get government spending under control. That is why I voted against the bill raising the debt ceiling. I believe that rather than simply piling on more job-crushing debt, we must force the federal government to live within its means.
“Clearly, the president is not going to show leadership on this issue. House Republicans are truly the last line of defense. We must hold firm on spending and force the Obama administration to support policies that will lead to a stronger economy.”