U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) released the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Labor reported that 131,000 jobs were lost in July, keeping the high unemployment rate at 9.5% nationally:

“The numbers speak for themselves; Washington’s out-of-touch economic “plan” is failing. Costly and absurd regulations, unfunded mandates, porous immigration policies, and talk of tax increases are crippling our economy and our ability to spur innovation and employment. In this job-killing environment, small businesses, the true job creators of our country, are losing the battle to produce lasting jobs and generate real economic recovery. Enough is enough. Congress needs to stop spending taxpayer money it doesn’t have and pass a budget that reflects the reality of our current fiscal situation. With record deficits, a soaring debt and high unemployment, we don’t need more of the same; we need to empower our small businesses so that we can put America back to work.”