House Democratic Leaders Statement on the Economy

'Today's dismal jobs report shows that employers cut payrolls by 17,000 in January -- the first time in nearly five years our economy experienced a net loss of jobs.  This bad news underscores the urgent need for Congress to take action to put recovery rebates in the hands of Americans struggling with the rising costs of energy, health care, and groceries.

'By providing tax rebates for the middle class and those aspiring to it, and offering targeted tax relief to businesses that will immediately create jobs, we strengthen our economy and get Americans back to work.

'We must restore confidence to the economy, to consumers and to the markets.

'Democrats are developing a long term strategy by charting a New Direction for our economy that creates new, knowledge-based jobs as we tackle major challenges, such as bringing innovation to education, expanding access to health care, rebuilding our infrastructure, and addressing the climate crisis.'