Labor secretary praises September jobs data after government shutdown delay

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez de Remer praised the stronger-than-expected September jobs report as “strong” for the American people, after new data showed that the US economy added 119,000 jobs, more than double economists’ expectations of 50,000 jobs.

“This is a strong report for the American people, a strong job growth report,” Chavez de Remer said on the Varney & Co. show.

“This is exactly why we need to open up the government so that we can publish the data collected in September, which was almost ready to be published when the government shut down.”

Chavez de Remer added that maintaining timely economic data is essential for tracking business trends.

US added 119,000 jobs in September, lagging jobs report shows

“We need to make sure we keep a snapshot in time,” she said. “Again, we’re seeing job growth, more people wanting to work and participate in the workforce. I think those are good numbers.”

The September report, which was scheduled to be released on October 3 but was delayed due to the government shutdown, far exceeded expectations.

Economists had expected 50,000 new jobs, up from 22,000 jobs in August. However, the unemployment rate was slightly higher than expected, going from 4.3% to 4.4%.

US job growth beat expectations in August amid economic uncertainty

This screenshot from FOX Business Network on November 20 shows data from the September jobs report, which was delayed due to the government shutdown. (Varney & Company/Screengrab)

Chavez de Remer noted that 97,000 new jobs were in the private sector and praised the Trump administration’s policies on behalf of American workers.

Her comments came after she was asked whether a slowdown in immigration and increased deportations could lead to a shrinking workforce in the future.

“What we have seen since president Trump took office is that nearly two million jobs are going to native-born Americans,” she said.

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“I think that’s the exciting part about this. 97,000 new jobs announced were in the private sector… I think what we’re seeing is strong for the American worker.

“As I continue to go around the country and build on the skilled workforce, we’re going to see more and more Americans having these jobs, so I think it’s a strong report. We wanted secure borders. And that’s what we have now under this president, and now more Americans are taking these jobs.”

FOX Business’ Eric Revell contributed to this report.