WASHINGTON, DC - Nonfarm employment edged up in May (+75,000), and the unemployment rate was little changed at 4.6 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Employment continued to trend up in some service-providing industries and in mining, while retail trade and manufacturing lost jobs. Average hourly earnings were up by 1 cent in May following a gain of 10 cents in April.
House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today following the announcement:
"The paltry job numbers released today by the Department of Labor reflect what most Americans already know to be true: the Republicans' tired economic policies are failing to meet the needs of our nation. Of course, any job growth is positive for the economy. However, the Bush Administration has consistently failed to meet the 150,000 new jobs needed every month just to keep pace with population growth. This stands in stark contrast to the average during the Clinton Administration of nearly 236,000 new jobs each month.
"In light of skyrocketing gas prices, the rising costs of health care and prescription drugs, and the declining median household income, it's no wonder that hardworking families cannot afford to embrace the Administration's unrealistic cheerleading on the economy."
Congressman Hoyer is the Federal Representative for the Fifth Congressional District of Maryland. Members of the United States House of Representatives serve two-year terms. Mr. Hoyer also serves as the Minority Whip. The Minority Whip is a member of the minority party in the U.S. House of Representatives who assists the Minority Leader in coordinating the party caucus in its responses to legislation and other matters.
Mr. Hoyer's website is located at http://www.hoyer.house.gov/. His office can be reached at (202) 225-4131. More biographical info on Mr. Hoyer can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steny_Hoyer.