CONGRESSMAN RICHMOND: "SHOW ME THE JOBS!"

WASHINGTON, DC—Last night, Congressman Cedric L. Richmond (LA-2) took to the House Floor and called for Congressional Republicans to “show Americans the jobs,” in response to their Continuing Resolution proposal. The proposal is estimated to eliminate 700,000 American jobs. Below are excerpts from Mr. Richmond’s remarks.  

“… [Dr. King’s] last call was for economic justice. Here we are in 2011 with a 9.6 percent unemployment rate in this country. However, in the African American community that unemployment rate is 15.8 percent. We must ask:  Why such a huge gap?  What are we going to do to close that gap and bring unemployment down for everyone? At this time, and at this moment, we need King-like determination. We need King-like courage. And we need a King-like vision to create jobs in this country—not more campaign rhetoric. To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, show me the jobs. Show the American people the jobs.”

“… The Continuing Resolution will eliminate 700,000 jobs. If their plan passes then 700,000 more Americans will face financial uncertainty. That’s 700,000 more families who will depend on unemployment benefits to make ends meet. That’s 700,000 more families who will turn to safety net programs to make it through the tough times. That’s 700,000 families who might now face bankruptcy. Those 700,000 Americans are demanding that we show them the jobs.”

“The House Speaker recently stated that the deficit is a moral threat to the Nation. I agree. But I would also add that abandoning the 24 million Americans who are unemployed or underemployed is a moral crime. Cutting 700,000 jobs in one fatal swoop is a moral crime. Balancing the budget on the backs of working folks is a moral crime.”

Video of Congressman Richmond’s entire speech can be found here.

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