WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on the February Employment Report that showed the unemployment rate was 4.8 percent: “Despite the lower unemployment rate, today’s job report is disappointing. The nation is facing economic challenges and growing at a slower rate than in previous years, and we are seeing this reflected in the employment market. We have acted quickly to address the issues with the President’s stimulus plan, which will provide a boost to our economy with incentives for both consumers and businesses.We can’t stop there.
“In addition to the HOPE NOW efforts to quickly assist homeowners, Congress should pass the President’s housing reform proposals. Trade, which supports higher paying jobs, is a key bright spot in boosting our current growth. We need to expand exports by opening new markets. That’s why Congress must pass the pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and Korea.”
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
