Scott Statement on Trump Firing Head of Bureau of Labor Statistics

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce released the following statement after President Trump announced the firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Commissioner Erika McEntarfer.

“The Bureau of Labor Statistics has always served as a nonpartisan, data-driven federal agency that provides key information vital to the United States economy.  President Trump’s firing of Commissioner Erika McEntarfer comes without evidence of any misconduct after BLS reported that the economy showed poor job growth for three consecutive months – a fact with which too many Americans are aware.

“The latest employment report revealedthat Americans are struggling to find jobs to support their families after President Trump’s policies have wreaked havoc on the economy.  Instead of properly addressing the consequences of his actions and taking reasonable steps to bolster the economy, President Trump’s action politicizes economic data and undermines the independence of yet another federal agency, seemingly out of frustration that the facts do not support his manufactured narrative.  Worse, today’s action serves as a warning to any future BLS officer that they should not dare to make the mistake of reporting accurate information.”

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