WASHINGTON, DC—Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn today released this statement following President Barack Obama’s speech on America’s economy:
“I applaud the President’s focus on the widening wealth gap in this country. Throughout the recent debate on the national debt and deficit reduction, I have noted that income growth of 275 percent for the wealthiest few while the middle class struggles and poverty grows is unsustainable, immoral and un-American. We need to restore fairness and balance to our budget.
“I particularly agree with the President’s observation that we can’t return to ‘you’re on your own’ economics. We need to create jobs and build economic ladders of opportunity for all through education, innovation and infrastructure.
“Congress must act now on legislation to extend unemployment benefits, continue the payroll tax holiday for every American worker, and fix the Sustainable Growth Rate so Medicare patients can rely on their doctors. I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues in Congress to achieve these important goals for the American people.”