June 1, 2012

 Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid issued the following statement after the Labor Department announced that the U.S. economy added 69,000 jobs in May.

"This report is a sharp reminder that Democrats and Republicans should be working together to strengthen our economy, create jobs, and put the middle class ahead of partisan politics.

"If Republicans worked with us, we could pass legislation immediately to cut taxes for small businesses, prevent student loan rates from doubling and ensure women get paid the same amount as men for performing the same work. We could provide incentives to companies to create manufacturing jobs here at home, instead of overseas. And we could take steps to spur further growth in the housing market.

“But all of these policies require bipartisan cooperation, something that, sadly, has been in short supply. I hope my Republican colleagues will take this as an opportunity to work with Democrats for the good of the middle class.”