Steven Holt: “I thank the gentleman from Maine for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this is a simple motion. We want to ensure that unemployment…”

“I thank the gentleman from Maine for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this is a simple motion. We want to ensure that unemployment funds are used for those who are unemployed. We want to make sure that unemployment funds, as promised, are given to those who are unemployed. It shouldn't be a partisan issue. There are unemployed Republicans. There are unemployed Democrats. There are unemployed Independents. Our motion says to them, We're not turning away from you, but evidently, it seems to be a partisan issue. Let me repeat in clear English what this means when they talk about waivers. In clear English, it means that this bill, the House Republican bill, would allow States to divert unemployment funds for other purposes. States already have ample flexibility. They say they need flexibility, but ``flexibility'' really is a euphemism for denying benefits. It's an invitation to deny benefits. Right now, States are required to spend unemployment insurance funds solely on unemployment benefits. They must pay the benefits when they're due. They may not condition eligibility on issues beyond the fact of unemployment and cause a person's unemployment. Unless we accomplish what the gentleman from Maine is trying to accomplish here, this legislation would circumvent these basic protections. Of course, it's fine for States to innovate and to pursue innovative ideas to help people get jobs; but for heaven's sake, don't experiment with the livelihoods of people who have lost their jobs.…”