New York, NY – Congressman Charles B. Rangel issued the following statement after the Department of Labor announced that the economy added 171,000 jobs in October.  With 184,000 jobs added by private businesses, this marks the 32nd consecutive month of private sector job growth:

“The Department of Labor’s recent report confirms what we already know.  With 32 straight months of private-sector job growth, President Obama’s plan to rebuild is economic plan is working.  Now is not the time to turn back.

It is important that we work together to implement policies that continue to strengthen the middle class and move our country forward.  We cannot afford the Republican plan that takes us back to the disastrous culture of deregulation and irresponsible consumer lending that was widespread before President Obama took office. 

Instead of passing any legislation to create jobs, Republicans have spent the last two years in the House majority threatening to shut down the government, gambling the good faith in credit of the United States, attacking healthcare reform, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and attempting to repeal environmental and labor regulations. They have made it clear that they are more focused on defeating President Obama than to help America get back on track.

President Obama and Democrats are focused on putting people to work, cutting deficits responsibly, and extending tax relief for millions of middle-income Americans.  We are committed to improving the economy, putting America back to work, and pumping hope back into the hearts of the people who want to achieve the American Dream."