Hey
everyone --
It's
not exactly a secret that Washington hasn't worked as well as it
should. Between the constant gridlock and partisanship, most people
just tune this town out. That was especially true this year when the
government literally shut down.
Yet,
even in spite of all that, thanks to the grit of the American people,
this country continues to move forward. After the worst financial
crisis since the Great Depression, folks are getting back to work and
the economy is getting stronger.
And
late this year, Washington took a cue -- and managed to make some
progress itself.
While
it's too early to declare a new era of bipartisanship, what we've
seen recently is that Washington is capable of getting things done
when it wants to. And there's an opportunity next year for this town
to do its job and make real progress.
Here
are just a couple areas where there's been progress made recently --
check them out, and then take a look at our full 2013 year-in-review.
For
the first time in years, both parties in Congress came together and
passed a budget. This budget doesn't include everything that everyone
wanted -- but our economy will grow a little faster, be a little
fairer for middle-class families, and create more jobs because of it.
Our
businesses created 2 million jobs in 2013. That's more than 8 million
private-sector jobs in just over 45 months.
The
economy is growing. Just last week we learned that, over the summer,
our economy grew at 4.1% -- its strongest pace in almost two years.
We've
cut the deficit in half since 2009. That's four years of the fastest
deficit reduction since the end of World War II -- and it means we're
improving our nation's long-term fiscal position while strengthening
our economy.
We
produce more oil in the U.S. than we import from abroad. Thanks to an
all-of-the-above strategy, we're reducing our reliance on foreign oil
-- and that means lower energy costs for consumers.
The
American auto industry is thriving. Last month, the auto industry
added more than fifteen thousand jobs. And just a few weeks ago, the
United States sold its final stake in General Motors.
Americans
are getting better health coverage. Since October 1st, more than 1
million Americans have selected new health insurance plans through
the federal and state marketplaces. And millions more are getting
better health care thanks to increased protections and benefits.
There's
a little less gridlock in Congress. Leaders in Congress took action
so that executive and judicial nominees (except to the Supreme Court)
can be confirmed with a simple majority vote. Now we're filling
critical vacancies, and the government will work better for Americans
because of it.
So
while the politics in Washington can be frustrating and change takes
time, that's no excuse for inaction. In the New Year, we need to help
American businesses continue creating jobs, make sure Americans are
ready for those jobs, and make sure those jobs offer the wages and
benefits that give families a fair shot at financial security.
We
also need to look out for those who are searching for a job. Congress
needs to extend unemployment insurance, something we'll be making a
priority when members come back to work.
There's
a lot of unfinished business, but there are also things we can build
on. If you saw some things in this list that you think more people
should know about, then pass them on.
Thanks,
and happy holidays.
Dan
Dan
Pfeiffer
Senior
Advisor
The
White House
@Pfeiffer44
