WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ announcement that the economy added 164,000 jobs in April and unemployment fell to its lowest rate since 2000:

“Today’s jobs report is more evidence that our economy is growing again,” said Thune. “In April, unemployment fell to an 18-year low, and wages are up steadily over the past year. A few months ago, Congress passed historic tax reform, and since then nearly 800,000 jobs have been created, and more than 500 companies have announced pay raises, bonuses, 401(k) match increases, and cuts to utility rates as a result. Employers across the country are experiencing the economic environment they need to grow their businesses and provide more jobs and higher wages. This is good news for hardworking Americans.”