Don't let jobs get lost in the debate

Jobs.  It's the number one issue I hear about from Oregonians and I know it's at the top of the priority list for working families everywhere.

But over the last several months, the talk in Washington D.C. hasn't been about the bottom line of workers but the numbers in the federal budget.

That needs to change.  

When nearly one out of ten Americans are out of work, everything Congress does should focus on creating new opportunities.

This fall, we'll have a debate on reducing our deficit.  I think that needs to be a debate about reducing unemployment.

That's why I am asking the Super Committee to have the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office analyze their recommendations for impact on jobs, not just for impact on the deficit.

We know that creating jobs is necessary for the success of families. It's also necessary for the success of reducing the deficit.  We can't get to a balanced budget if families aren't earning a living.

I've asked my colleagues in the Senate to join me in supporting two principles:

1. Independent review: The Super Committee's budget package should be given an independent review by the Congressional Budget Office to measure how many jobs it would create or eliminate.

2. Do no harm: Reject any budget package that would cost more jobs than it creates.

Today, I'm asking you to join me this effort. I've partnered with the Daily Kos community on a petition to tell Congress: Let's put "jobs" back in the discussion.

By signing this petition, you amplify my voice. You make it clear that thousands of Americans are standing with me - and my fellow progressive Senators - to insist that we create jobs, not cut them.  

Thank you.