Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the top Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, today harshly criticized the Obama Administration’s decision to host a jobs summit while continuing to embrace job-killing policies that prevent economic recovery. The national unemployment rate currently stands at 10.2 percent, yet Democrats have continued to advance an agenda that allows the economy to stagnate in the face of widespread uncertainty and volatility – an agenda that includes “card check” unionizing policies, a national energy tax, a massive government takeover of health care, and historic deficits that add to our nation’s long-term debt.
“A trillion dollars in borrowing and spending has not worked to shore up the economy as the Administration planned, and it remains to be seen how a summit of like-minded friends will address the multiple threats to job creation that make up this Administration’s agenda,” said Rep. Kline. “The proof is in the numbers, and it turns out the original ‘stimulus’ was more about liberal ambition than creating jobs – a very costly mistake being paid for in record deficits and millions more lost jobs. In the meantime, American businesses are sitting on the sidelines – wary of investing and hiring in the uncertain climate of tax hikes, federal mandates, and exorbitant deficit spending.”
Numerous media accounts have highlighted the absence from today’s event at the White House of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). Together, these organizations represent millions of American businesses.
“The voices of America’s job creators should not be ignored in this debate. Unfortunately, Democrats in Washington have crafted an agenda that is not only blind to the needs of our nation’s employers, but in many instances, one that is outright hostile. To bring our economy back, we need to create an environment in which businesses and entrepreneurs feel confident investing in new jobs and growth. Republicans are offering sound alternatives – including tax relief for small businesses and struggling families, a commitment to fiscal responsibility that does not rely on budgetary gimmicks, and sensible government reforms that address issues like health care and energy without adding to the debt.”
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