[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 101 (Tuesday, June 14, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H5492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         OUR ECONOMY IS BOOMING

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Garcia) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
record-breaking number of jobs created under President Biden's watch, 
his plan to lower costs for hard-working American families, and our 
plan to continue building a better America.
  Since President Biden took office, the economy has added 8.7 million 
new jobs--8.7 million new jobs. That is staggering. Fun fact, Mr. 
Speaker, this is the most jobs added in any President's first 16 
months. I repeat: The most jobs added in any President's first 16 
months. This is historic.
  The fact that the economy is booming is no accident. You see, 
President Biden laid the foundation for an amazing recovery through his 
American Rescue Plan and vaccination program. This plan got people back 
to work, kids back in schools, and helped the American economy bounce 
back.
  Together, with President Biden, House Democrats are not only bringing 
back jobs, but we are growing paychecks for households across the 
country. Because of this, unemployment is near historic lows, and even 
better, the number of Americans relying on unemployment benefits has 
dropped by more than 90 percent. This is huge.

  In short, our Nation has recovered 96 percent of the jobs lost during 
the pandemic and is on track to return to prepandemic employment levels 
before the end of the year.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a direct result of President Biden's leadership, 
Congress' partnership, and the backing of the American people.
  While many Americans are back at work, we have heard calls from 
hardworking families struggling with the cost of inflation. Sadly, 
Putin's war against Ukraine is now the biggest single driver of 
inflation, but we have a plan for this too.
  I am proud to report that House Democrats and President Biden are 
acting to lower gas prices by fighting Putin's price hike. The United 
States is on track to produce a record amount of oil next year, and 
coming from Texas, that is music to our ears, and the President is 
working with the industry to accelerate this output.
  Democrats are also laser focused on lowering everyday costs for 
families at the grocery store, and they are also improving the supply 
chain. We are fighting for everyday Americans by reducing the cost of 
everyday goods through the COMPETES Act.
  This landmark legislation will lower costs and strengthen our supply 
chains by making more products right here in America: Made in USA. 
Again, this will create more jobs.
  We also have great news on the Federal deficit. Biden is still on 
track to drop the budget deficit by $1.6 trillion this year alone.
  Mr. Speaker, another fun fact, President Biden has cut the deficit 
more this year than any President in history. I repeat, more than any 
President in history. In contrast, Mr. Speaker, the Trump 
administration increased the Federal budget deficit every single year 
they were in office.
  All things considered, President Biden and House Democrats are not 
only working together to continue building a better America for all 
Americans, but we are delivering on that promise, and we will continue 
to do just that--delivering on our promise.

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