WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joint Economic Committee Chairman Dan Coats (R-Ind.) issued the following statement regarding today’s report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that the U.S. economy added 287,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in June and the unemployment rate increased from 4.7 to 4.9 percent. In addition, May employment numbers were revised to 11,000 jobs added, down from the 38,000 originally reported.

“Adding 287,000 jobs in June is welcome news after May’s disappointing jobs numbers, which now appear to be even worse than originally reported. Across our country, too many American families are struggling in our economy, and there’s no doubt we need more steady and consistent job growth. House Speaker Paul Ryan and House Republicans have put forward a sensible plan to overhaul and modernize our antiquated tax system and grow the economy. Passing reforms like they have proposed would reduce burdens on families and employers, encourage new job creation and increase America’s competitive edge in the worldwide marketplace.”