Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Melvin L. Watt (D-NC), Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), released the following statement on behalf of the CBC regarding the November unemployment figures announced this morning by the U.S. Department of Labor:

"The unemployment numbers released today show that African American unemployment is a staggering 8.6 percent, compared to 3.9 percent for White Americans and 4.9 percent for Hispanic Americans, once again widening the already dramatic gap that exists between African Americans and other Americans.

"The rate of unemployment for African Americans is consistently more than double the rate for White Americans. Such a huge gap shows that African Americans lag woefully behind White Americans in jobs, employment opportunities and the ability to survive.

"This, unfortunately, impacts on all aspects of life and widens the disparities gap for African Americans in health care, retirement security, education, employment security and wealth building.

"As we approach the end of another year, this trend must end. It is harmful to the millions of African Americans still unemployed who are unable to participate fully in this society. We once again call on President Bush to show his personal commitment to closing the disparities that continue to plague our country."