WASHINGTON - Congressman Adam H. Putnam (FL-12), a member of the Rules and Budget Committees, praised the continued growth of our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the nation’s output of goods and services, over the first quarter of 2005.

“This announcement is yet another sign that our economy is strong and continues to grow,” said Putnam. “The pro-growth and job creation policies of President Bush and House Republicans have helped fuel this strong performance in our economy.”

 “More than 3.5 million jobs have been created in the last two years, and more Americans are working now than at any other time in our nation’s history,” said Putnam. “In fact, my home state of Florida leads the way with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation.”

The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at a 3.8 percent annual rate in the first quarter of this year - an upward revision to the 3.5 percent preliminary estimate from last month. The U.S. economy has been growing for 14 consecutive quarters.

“By growing the economy, businesses will create new jobs, which in turn will generate revenues and reduce the deficit,” Putnam concluded. “Be assured that I will continue to do everything I can to keep the economy growing and to make sure that we create job opportunities for every Floridian who wants a job.”

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