[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 74 (Monday, May 6, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S2626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                            Economic Growth

  Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, it is no secret that our economy has 
broken some pretty amazing records lately. Last week's job report 
surpassed all estimates and expectations, with a whopping 263,000 jobs 
created in April alone. The first quarter saw 3.2 percent growth, which 
is the best in 4 years.
  I still recall, back during the previous administration, when we were 
told that 2 percent growth was the new normal and that we could never 
grow our economy the way we have seen in recent months. Obviously, 2 
percent growth is not the new normal for the American economy. We all 
ought to be relieved and comforted by that fact.
  The unemployment rate has dropped to 3.6 percent--the lowest level in 
nearly half a century. Everybody who is able-bodied and willing to work 
and willing to be trained for jobs that pay well I believe has an 
opportunity to do so these days. There is no doubt that this is an 
incredible time for our economy, and I am confident that the pro-growth 
policies that we have brought to the table during this administration 
and during a Republican majority in the House and the Senate will 
continue to bring real benefits to families across the country. But we 
have also broken another record, one that has a much more negative 
impact, and that is especially in my State of Texas.