GOP Address: Rep. Hayworth Says ‘No Higher Priority’ than Jobs
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US Congress(WASHINGTON) — In this week’s Republican address, Rep. Nan Hayworth of New York challenges the Democrats in the Senate to act on House-passed jobs legislation she says would address “excessive regulations,” encourage entrepreneurship and compel Washington to live within its means.
“Leaders in Washington should have no higher priority this year than getting our economy back to creating jobs,” Rep. Hayworth says.
The congresswoman’s charge for movement on these “nearly 30 jobs bills” comes out of the country’s need, which looms large, to create more employment opportunities for the almost 13 million Americans still looking for work. Despite Friday’s jobs report showing the jobless rate falling to its lowest level in three years, Rep. Hayworth criticizes the long stretch of high unemployment seen in the U.S.
“Finding work in this economy remains a struggle, and Friday’s jobs report is the latest evidence of that,” Hayworth says in the address. “Three years ago at this time, the incoming Obama Administration claimed its ‘stimulus’ would keep unemployment below eight percent. Well, unemployment has now been above eight percent for 35 straight months, the longest such stretch since the Great Depression.”
But, with the “foundation for action” already in place, Hayworth says, the “Republican Plan for America’s Job Creators is designed to empower small businesses and get government of their way” to open up possibilities for work.
One bill waiting for action, Hayworth says, has bipartisan support and “would implement key elements of the president’s own plan, including tax incentives for business expensing, a full-year extension of payroll tax relief, and a full-year extension of unemployment insurance.”
Finally, Hayworth appeals not just for Senate action, but for help from President Obama to work with Republicans to enacting these measures.
“Indeed, all of this requires the help — and the leadership — of the president. We are hopeful that President Obama, in his State of the Union Address, will express a willingness to work with Republicans to enact all of these jobs bills. The American people know we have our disagreements, but they rightly expect us to work together to find areas where we can agree and act. Republicans remain ready and willing to do just that,” she says.
Recalling last year’s State of the Union, Hayworth mark’s the one-year anniversary of the Tucson, Ariz. shooting that claimed six lives and targeted Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who survived the ordeal.
“One year ago this Sunday, a madman opened fire on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her constituents outside a grocery store in Tucson, Arizona. Six people were killed, including Gabe Zimmerman, an aide to the congresswoman. In those difficult hours, Americans reminded the world that no act of violence would silence the dialogue of democracy. All of us who have the privilege to serve with Gabby continue to pray for her recovery. We remain grateful to those who have sent thoughts and prayers to her, to her family, and all those who were affected.”
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