Daines, Gianforte cite new economic report as proof of GOP policy success

The U.S economy grew 4.1 percent in the second quarter, winning fast praise from President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Greg Gianforte and Sen. Steve Daines.

The rate of growth was nearly double the 2.2 percent recorded in the first quarter of this year, and it marked the strongest pace in almost four years, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

“The economic policies of President Trump and congressional Republicans are working for Montana,” Gianforte said in a statement Friday. “We cut taxes for hardworking Montanans and cut red tape for Montana businesses, and the positive results continue to come in.”

Congressional Republicans credited their tax reform and regulatory policies for Friday's high marks, saying they'll continue to boost growth this year and into the future.

The national unemployment rate has fallen to 4 percent, while Montana's rate of unemployment dropped to 3.8 percent. Gianforte cited recent figures by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reported 2.4 million new jobs created in the past year.

More than 2,800 new jobs were created in Montana last year, Gianforte added.

“The economy is growing at its best pace in four years, unemployment is down in Montana and across America, and more than 2 million new jobs were created in the last year,” Gianforte said. “I am committed to building on this success and continuing pro-growth policies to increase opportunities for Montanans.”

Sen. Steve Daines weighed in Friday on Twitter.

“Today's #GDP report means one thing: the historic tax cuts championed by @realDonaldTrump and the #GOP are working,” Daines tweeted. “This means more #jobs and more money in the pockets of Montanans and families across the nation.”