WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today released the following statement on the March jobs report which shows the economy added a mere 88,000 jobs and the labor participation rate has fallen to the lowest depths since 1979, the last year of Jimmy Carter’s presidency:

“Unfortunately, we will continue to see disappointing jobs numbers until we finally address the root cause of the recession that hit our economy over four years ago. What is also worth noting is that people have simply given up looking for work at all.

“Crippling and misplaced regulations like Dodd-Frank have impeded our economic growth and added to uncertainty. After Obamacare, health care remains a huge expense to businesses and families taking money and jobs out of our economy. Our reliance on foreign oil and inability to develop a comprehensive domestic energy strategy is holding all sectors of the economy back. Finally, the lack of leadership from the White House on basic functions of government like a budget or addressing out of control government spending keeps businesses and consumers on the sidelines waiting for stability.

“Americans are concerned for their future, they are afraid for their retirement, afraid for their children and their ability to have opportunities and security. Many Americans have given up looking for work, and that is the reason for the numbers today. The next few months will show us more of the same unless we act.”

Senator Roberts has introduced legislation to eliminate regulations that damage the economy. He supports the development of the Keystone Pipeline and drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico and other energy solutions. He supports the repeal and replacement of Obamacare and supports a Balanced Budget Amendment.

-30-