Washington, D.C. - Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement today after the Department of Labor announced that the economy added 69,000 jobs in May and the unemployment rate rose to 8.2 percent nationally, 13.6 percent for African Americans, and 11 percent for Latinos. With private businesses adding 82,000 jobs, this marks the 27th consecutive month of private sector job growth:

"Today's jobs report makes clear that Republicans need to give up their divisive political games and work with Democrats to pass real legislation that creates jobs.  The Republicans have no jobs plan; they are focused on undermining the economic security of the middle class, passing more tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, and most recently, on further restricting a woman's right to choose.

If Republicans allow tax cuts for students to expire as they are set to do in July, they will be further threatening the recovery of America's economy.  Time is running out for hardworking Americans.  There are only 43 legislative days left in this session, and only five legislative days left until the next GOP-approved recess. 

My Democratic Colleagues and I are calling on Republicans to suspend their latest attacks on the middle class and on women's rights, and immediately vote to extend middle-income tax cuts.  By allowing tax breaks for millionaires to expire, we can help secure the future for students and working Americans without raising the deficit.  Let’s get this show on the road.  America’s middle class – our families, workers, and small businesses – can’t wait any longer."