Paul Tonko: “I have said time and time again that my top priority this session of Congress is to focus on job creation and growing…”

“I have said time and time again that my top priority this session of Congress is to focus on job creation and growing our economy. I think that many, if not all, of my Democratic colleagues share that same goal. However, let me share a few numbers with you here this morning on this new session of Congress. These numbers suggest that perhaps not every Member in this body shares that goal. Five, the number of weeks that this House has been in session under the new leadership. Twelve, the number of bills the House has voted on. Zero, the number of House votes on bills that have been through their respective committees. Zero, the number of House votes on bills intended to create jobs and address what should be our very top priority. The most important contest we face today is not between Democrats and Republicans; rather, it's America's contest with competitors across the globe for the jobs and industries of our time. And economic growth is crucial for us to win this global race, not only for the future of our workforce but also as a way to balance our budget and drive down the deficit.”