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Congress Needs to Address the Jobs Problem

President Barack Obama proposed a solution to the jobs problem: the American Jobs Act. But House Republicans have continually thwarted this effort by refusing to consider the much-needed legislation.

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It’s time for summer vacation, but Congress is leaving town having not passed legislation to address our key economic problem: jobs. Even with the headwinds from Europe and the intransigence of House leadership, the economy has added jobs for 29 straight months, and this month was stronger with the addition of 172,000 private-sector jobs. This is certainly encouraging, especially given all the challenges in the global economy.

Nearly one year ago President Barack Obama proposed a solution—the American Jobs Act—which would put teachers back in classrooms, cops back on the beat, and renew our nation’s bridges and roads. But House Republicans have continually thwarted this effort by refusing to consider the much-needed legislation. The result: Even as the private sector moves toward recovery, government continues to lay off workers.

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