WASHINGTON, DC (August 1, 2014) – Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics unveiled the July employment situation, showing the economy gained 209,000 jobs and the unemployment rate remained essentially unchanged at 6.2 percent. The following is a statement from BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Kim Glas:

“The continuing job growth over the past few months shows that the economy continues to make real progress, despite Congress’ bickering over repairing America’s infrastructure systems. After funding for the Highway Trust Fund was approved last night, 700,000 workers and their families are breathing a sigh of relief—even if it’s only temporary. Once again, Congress has stopped just short of driving the Highway Trust Fund off a cliff instead of building a bridge to a more stable and prosperous future. Our infrastructure, our economy and our communities can’t afford to keep reliving this nightmare like it’s ‘Groundhog Day.’

“A long-term, fully funded transportation bill could put millions of Americans to work. It took Congress until the last minute to do the bare minimum needed to prevent a calamity. This short-term fix is no long-term answer. Let’s make sure we’re holding Congress accountable for providing a lasting solution.”