Press Releases

Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement regarding the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) January 2021 jobs report:

“Data point after data point continues to reflect that our economy is being walloped by the pandemic, and that robust relief is required. The anemic and bifurcated job creation this past month demonstrates the inequitable and shaky condition of our labor market. So long as jobs are scarce and caregiving supports and working conditions are untenable, the federal government must help folks stay afloat until they can safely return to work. The cost of inaction is rapidly rising and the longer we delay, the more Americans will teeter on the verge of ruin.

“Congress has a blueprint in the American Rescue Plan, and the tools to work together to deliver another round of direct assistance, extend unemployment benefits, all while working to eradicate the virus. But if Republicans choose to ignore the urgency of this moment, the Ways and Means Committee is ready to partner with President Biden to do whatever it takes to support workers and families, and rehabilitate the economy.”

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