Washington, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement today after the Labor Department announced its April unemployment report, showing that employment fell by 169,000 last month:

“Nearly three years after the recession officially ended, the U.S. economy continues to move at a snail’s pace, burdened by the Administration’s Big Government policies.  This is in sharp contrast to the ‘Reagan Recovery,’ which was stronger and quicker, bolstered by pro-growth, free-market policies.  House Republicans have passed over 30 jobs bills which are sitting on the Senate’s doorstep.  We’ve also passed the ‘Ryan Plan,’ which will jumpstart our economy by cutting taxes, cutting spending, and putting our fiscal house in order.  Instead of campaigning around the country and blaming Congress, the President should work with Congress in a bipartisan way to advance pro-growth legislation that will create jobs, spark innovation, and expand opportunity.” 

The national unemployment rate stands at 8.1 percent.  It’s been above 8 percent for 39 straight months – the longest streak since the Great Depression.