Jackie Speier: “Thomas Currier and his family are my constituents, and they're suffering needlessly because Republicans are shamelessly…”

“Thomas Currier and his family are my constituents, and they're suffering needlessly because Republicans are shamelessly blocking the extension of unemployment insurance. The Republicans argue that people like Thomas are lazy and would rather collect unemployment than work. Well, let me tell you about Thomas Currier. He's 62. He's worked his entire life and at one time even owned his own business. After 25 years in the IT field, he was laid off in August of 2008, and last month he finally lost his unemployment insurance. His wife needs surgery they can't afford. His daughter dropped out of college because they can't pay her tuition. Not only has Mr. Currier lost his income, but as a result of the GOP opposition, he's lost his dignity. I urge my Republican colleagues in the Senate to drop their indefensible opposition to extending unemployment insurance immediately, and with it, provide needed relief to millions of people like Thomas Currier.”