[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 175 (Wednesday, November 16, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H7643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
JOB CREATION
(Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, first of all, I want to join with my
colleague from Rhode Island, Mr. Cicilline, in extending my condolences
to the family of Julius Michaelson, former attorney general of Rhode
Island, a dedicated public servant, someone who truly made a difference
to the people of our State. He made a difference, and he will be
greatly missed.
Madam Speaker, next week Americans will be celebrating Thanksgiving
with their families. Unfortunately, far too many will be preoccupied
with the uncertainty of being unemployed and finding ways just to put
food on the table.
Our country currently has a 9 percent unemployment rate, and there
are four unemployed workers for every open job right now. In my home
State of Rhode Island, our unemployment rate continues to hold steady
above the national average at 10.5 percent.
Madam Speaker, where is the urgency on job creation? The House just
returned from its 11th scheduled recess of the year. With only 45 days
left until the end of the year, the Republican-led House has failed to
take any meaningful action to spur job creation this year.
Our constituents deserve better than this. The American people are
demanding more than this. Congress must put partisan politics aside and
focus on growing our economy and creating new job opportunities and
getting this country back on track. It is our obligation to do this,
and we need to do it now.
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