Tough jobs report scrambles Washington battle ahead of crucial week
CNN
A bust in the latest US government jobs report is electrifying the Washington battle over Joe Biden's massively ambitious programs and offering an early hint of the political peril the President could face if the economy doesn't bounce back strongly.
The data, showing 266,000 new positions were added in April, a quarter of the number analysts had expected, had the effect of convincing both Republican and Democratic lawmakers -- who return to Washington this week -- that their dueling economic and political positions are justified. The report will further juice an already tense atmosphere in Washington as divisions are hardening after Biden's first 100 days in office. The President will deliver remarks on the economy Monday, then host the four top leaders of the House and Senate for talks for the first time on Wednesday. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will attend the meeting just days after saying 100% of his focus is on obstructing the new presidency. The White House is, meanwhile, readying a strong push for Biden's infrastructure package. The plan's billing as a massive jobs package will take on even more resonance given the invigorated debate about unemployment.More Related News