Pelosi: With 3.6 Million Jobs Lost, We Cannot Afford Delay on Recovery Package

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on this morning's jobs numbers.  In January, American job losses totaled 598,000--the worst month of job losses since 1974 and the 13th straight month of job losses.

"This morning's startling job loss numbers show why it is imperative that the Congress act immediately to pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to stem the rising tide of unemployment and get Americans back to work.  The economic recovery package will create and save more than 3 million jobs and put America back on more solid economic footing.

"With a record 3.6 million American jobs lost in just the last 13 months, we cannot afford to delay legislation that will create new jobs and invest in a stronger economy for years to come.  We must complete the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act next week so that the President can sign this critical legislation into law."