Rep. Darrell Issa said Wednesday the sharing economy exemplified by Uber, Lyft, Airbnb and other tech startups can create significant new jobs in America.

“One of the things the sharing economy does is it can effectively drive the unemployment rate down,” he said. “Anyone willing to work, there’s probably a sharing economy opportunity.”

He said such jobs aren’t perfect for everyone, but can help people ranging from recent graduates to military spouses quickly find employment and earn money, while also creating “massive networking opportunities” toward a full-time position.

Issa spoke after a meeting with Uber and Lyft drivers at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce offices in downtown San Diego.

“This was a chance to meet directly with constituents of two competing companies who have all of the same challenges,” he said, noting that one problem unique to San Diego is that traditional taxis can enter the Navy and Marine bases, but Uber and Lyft drivers can’t.

The eight-term Republican Congressman from North San Diego County has partnered with Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell from the San Francisco’s East Bay to create the Sharing Economy Caucus to educate colleagues in Washington about the new economy’s potential.

“The people who are legislating — they don’t get it,” Issa said. “And they don’t get it because it’s not our generation.”

Issa said the sharing economy fits well with the rising Millennial generation, particularly in San Diego, which he described as more open than other cities to disruptive business ideas.

“The American Dream may not be exactly the same for the next generation,” he said. “The American dream might in fact be owning very little but getting all the benefits of owning it on an as needed basis.”

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