[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 1] [House] [Page 56] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HEALTH CARE REFORM AND JOBS (Mr. ELLISON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, Democrats in Congress have devoted job creation as the number one top priority that we are focusing on in this period. The fact is that the Republican recession has created some of the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression. But it is important to note that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has actually helped our economy begin to recover, and it is important to make sure that Americans know this. It is important for Americans to know that the Recovery Act has created more than 640,000 jobs since it was enacted almost a year ago, and could produce as many as 1.6 million jobs. More is needed, but the Recovery Act has reduced job losses, reduced unemployment rates and the increase in the unemployment rate, and increased the gross domestic product. So, Madam Speaker, the Democratic caucus will continue to focus on job creation and will continue to work well, and we hope to do this in a bipartisan way. But even if we can't, we will continue to make jobs first on the agenda. ____________________