New York, NY - Congressman Charles B. Rangel issued the following statement on Friday, April 06, 2012, after the U.S. Department of Labor released its March jobs report, which showed the economy added 120,000 new jobs last month, marking the 25th consecutive month of private sector job growth:

"The nation again welcomes signs of a strengthening economy as the unemployment rate fell from 8.3 to 8.2 percent in March, and 120,000 jobs were created.  These numbers serve as a reminder that our economy has made tremendous gains since the global recession began in 2008, and is on track to reach pre-recession levels. 

In an effort to build on 25 consecutive months of private sector job growth, President Barack Obama this week signed the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, a bipartisan bill aimed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs access capital to grow their businesses.  The President recognizes that these groups are vital to creating more jobs, and the JOBS Act ensures that they have the necessary resources to extend their enterprises.

As we continue to make strides in our economic recovery, I urge Republicans to work with Democrats in reducing the deficit without burdening hardworking Americans and cutting the social programs that protect them.  The radical Romney-Ryan budget gives huge tax breaks for Big Oil and the wealthiest Americans at the expense of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.  Rather than spending their efforts to take away benefits from the American people, Republicans should join Democrats to ensure that all Americans who work hard and play by the rules are given the same opportunities to secure a better future."