[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 23 (Thursday, March 3, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page H948]]
                       ECONOMY CONTINUES TO GROW

  (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, the economy continues to grow as a direct 
result of the President's economic policies and those of the Republican 
Congress. Here are a few facts to illustrate this.
  In January, we saw 146,000 new jobs and witnessed the twentieth 
consecutive month of job gains in the United States.
  The national unemployment rate is down to 5.2 percent, the lowest 
since September 2001.
  Job creation was up in 48 of the 50 States last year, and 
unemployment was down in all regions of the country.
  Mr. Speaker, opposing tax increases and endorsing pro-growth policies 
has led to job creation. We are increasing consumer confidence and 
ensuring that the American working families no longer bear the burdens 
that impede economic growth.
  We will continue here in Congress the hard work so that this progress 
continues.

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