Update! Morning Tid Bits: Obama to Push for Clean Tech Jobs; Gates Stays On

Good Morning!

December job numbers were released this morning and according to the Labor Department, the U.S. economy lost 85,000 jobs last month, far more jobs than analysts had forecasted. 

UPDATE:  Christina Romer, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, had this to say about the numbers:

"Today’s employment report, though a setback from November, is consistent with the gradual labor market stabilization we have been seeing over the last several months. Payroll employment declined 85,000 in December. To put this number in perspective, employment declined 139,000 in September and 127,000 in October. So, in a broad sense the trend toward moderating job loss is continuing. ....  it is important not to read too much into any one monthly report, positive or negative. It is essential that we continue our efforts to move in the right direction and replace job losses with robust job gains."  Read her full comments here.

Later today, President Obama will address the US labor market later today as he pushes for more jobs in clean technology manufacturing.   According to a White House official new Recovery Act " funds will be awarded to deserving projects that will support tens of thousands of high quality clean energy jobs."

Also, Fox News learned last night that Defense Secretary Robert Gates will remain in his post for "at least another year" according to his spokesman.  "He serves at the pleasure of the President indefinitely and he is honored to do so, though he certainly looks forward to one day retiring to his family home in the Pacific Northwest," said Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell.

Mr. Gates served under the Bush administration and stayed on at the request of President Obama.

Stay tuned to Fox News Channel and Row 2, Seat 4 for the latest updates!