U.S. employers shed more than half a million jobs in November, accelerating a steady decline in the labor market with the worst monthly showing in 34 years. The new job losses pushed the unemployment rate to 6.7 percent, the highest rate since the recession of the early 1990s. The Labor Department report on Friday came out a day after the news that retailers posted the worst November sales in more than three decades. Sen. Sanders called for urgent action by Congress on an economic recovery package. In Vermont, meanwhile, the senator announced a new community health clinic for veterans in Brattleboro. As excitement mounts in anticipation of Inauguration Day, the Brattleboro High School band was invited to march in the inaugural parade. And as the days ticked down on the Bush presidency, Vermont remained the only state in the union that the president has not visited during his two terms in the White House.

Unemployment The Labor Department report showed monthly jobs losses of 533,000 spread across the economy, hitting construction firms, computer makers, auto dealers, clothing stores and banks and insurance companies alike. Sanders called on Congress to pass an economic recovery package. "If Congress can fork over $700 billion to rescue the Wall Street fat cats from their reckless gambles, why can't we put millions of Americans to work rebuilding our country as we address the severe economic crisis we face?" The report came out as Congress held the second round of hearing on Capitol Hill about a proposed bailout of the Big Three Detroit automakers. Sanders said any help for the industry and the 3 million American workers whose jobs depend on the Big Three must include changes in how Detroit does business. What ideas do you have to save jobs while making reforms? To send Bernie a message click here. Like most Americans surveyed by Gallup, a majority so far in our own online poll oppose major financial assistance to the auto industry. To take the survey, click here. To read more, click here.

Veterans' Health Care "If men and women put their lives on the line in defense of this nation, promises made to them must be kept," Sen. Sanders said upon announcing that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will open a new health clinic in Brattleboro, Vermont. The community clinics usually provide access for veterans to primary care physicians, laboratory tests, medications, mental health services, and preventative services such as flu shots. Many Brattleboro area veterans have long called for a clinic in this part of the state. To read more, click here. You can read the Brattleboro Reformer editorial here.

Global Warming Waiver Sanders, the only member of the Senate majority on both the environment and energy committees, joined Senate colleagues in sending a letter to President-elect Barack Obama asking that the next head of the Environmental Protection Agency move quickly to allow California, Vermont and 17 other states to tough standards on greenhouse gas emissions. "Every day that we delay action makes it harder to achieve the cuts in pollution that are needed to avoid the most dangerous effects of global warming. The time to start is now," wrote the senators. The Bush EPA denied the waiver request, stubbornly standing in the way of states that want to be more progressive aggressive in taking on climate change. You can read the letter here.

Hail to the Chief The Vermont delegation was pleased to announce Friday that the Brattleboro Union High School band will perform in the parade after the historic inauguration at the Capitol of the 44th president of the United States. "The Brattleboro Union High School band will make a wonderful addition to the inaugural parade. These young musicians and their director truly embody the spirit, strength and excellence of Vermont," wrote Sens. Sanders and Leahy, and Congressman Welch. To read more, click here.

Visit Vermont President Bush has gone on 48 foreign trips to 77 countries. He has visited 49 states. He has not visited Vermont. His father completed the cycle with 10 months left in his four years in office. "When I met with him at the White House last year, I mentioned to him that while he is not popular in Vermont, the people would love for him to visit," Sanders told the Washington Times. To read the article, click here.