(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Doc Hastings (WA-04) today released the following statement after the Obama Administration announced that the nation’s unemployment rate hit a 26-year high of 10.2 percent in October.  

“The very week we learn that unemployment has reached a 26 year high, this Congress is jamming through massive bills that will only make the problem worse; a cap and trade national energy tax, and a government takeover of health care.  These bills will lead to further job losses and harm to our economy.

“At a time when we should be helping create jobs and grow the economy, House Democrats are pushing through a government takeover of health care that will raise taxes and inflict costly payroll penalties on job-creating small businesses. 

“We need to focus on real solutions that put people back to work, lower health care costs, lower energy prices, support small businesses and strengthen our economy.”