Nancy Pelosi Statement on Highest Unemployment Claims Since 2001 Recession

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August 7, 2008 -- Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement in reaction to the Department of Labor’s announcement today on weekly jobless claims. The Department reported that first time claims for unemployment benefits rose to 455,000 – the highest number since the 2001 recession.:

“President Bush’s failed economic policies continue to take their toll on Americans as more workers have filed for unemployment benefits this week than at any time since the 2001 recession. After seven years of Bush Administration economic policies that have rewarded those at the very top at the expense of middle class Americans, we need a New Direction economic plan that strengthens job creation and renews the American Dream.

“Time and again, Democrats have worked in a bipartisan way to extend unemployment benefits for 3.5 million workers, provide 130 million American households with Recovery Rebates, and increase the Minimum Wage.

“Congress will act on an economic recovery package that will create Americans jobs, grow our economy and support disaster assistance. We are hopeful that President Bush and his Republican allies in Congress will recognize, as the American people do, that we need immediate action to strengthen our economy.”

Source: Speaker Nancy Pelosi