Representative Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (TN-04) issued the following statement on the December Unemployment Report showing that the economy added just 74,000 jobs in December - well below expectations of 200,000:

“Today’s lackluster jobs report further demonstrates that President Obama’s policies are paralyzing the American workforce. While the unemployment rate may appear to be falling it is in large part due to millions of Americans leaving the workforce entirely and no longer being counted.

“In the last year, my House colleagues and I have passed dozens of jobs bills to reduce the bureaucratic strain our government imposes on small businesses so that we can grow the economy and get Americans back to work. Unfortunately, these bills are piling up on Senator Harry Reid’s desk because he is more concerned about the future of his Senate majority than the well-being of hardworking families.  

“Perhaps the president and Senator Reid’s ‘Do Nothing Senate’ should make a New Year’s resolution: put aside the cheap political games and start focusing on real solutions to put Americans back to work.”