WASHINGTON - National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons issued the following statement on the disappointing Bureau of Labor Statistics' jobs report, which showed the slowest monthly jobs gain since September 2010:

"The latest jobs report is pathetic. It is a vivid example of why we need the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) now. The report is a wakeup call for anyone who thinks we are on solid economic ground. Policymakers in Washington can't fix every problem, but they can certainly take action to give manufacturing--and the larger economy--a boost. The TPP will allow manufacturers to sell products we make here in the United States to millions of new customers overseas, and we will hire people to make those products. Congress and the Obama administration need to work together to get this deal done.

"Manufacturers, and almost all employers for that matter, are holding back on hiring because they lack confidence in the ability of Congress and the administration to put aside partisan differences to do what is in the best interest of America's future. In May, we also saw too few Americans go back to work--and too many give up and leave the workforce altogether because they have given up on the American Dream.

"Pro-growth trade policy, coupled with comprehensive tax reform, regulatory reform and other items on manufacturers' agenda will empower our country to compete and win in the global economy--creating jobs and providing inspiration for those who clearly need it.

"The presidential candidates and all candidates for the House and Senate need to explain exactly what they will do to enact these commonsense economic measures outlined in 'Competing to Win.' Getting this agenda accomplished is the only way to reverse the malaise we are experiencing in our country and put us on the road to success again."