Lynn C. Woolsey: “I too am in opposition to this martial law rule because it fails to bring attention to the hardworking families that are…”

“I too am in opposition to this martial law rule because it fails to bring attention to the hardworking families that are struggling every day in this Nation to meet their needs and to take care of their children. The economy is letting them down. The economy continues to suffer. The job market is weak. These families are why we must absolutely extend the unemployment benefits and why we must do it now. Not later, but now. Mr. Speaker, families must have the means to be healthy, they must be safe when their jobs are no longer secure, and that is why we must extend these unemployment benefits before we adjourn Congress this year, before we leave here for our holidays. We are highly paid. We are employed. Yet we are going to leave and enjoy our holidays, and it will be absolutely irresponsible if we do not extend the unemployment benefits. If it is not irresponsible, Mr. Speaker, it is certainly hardhearted, because we need 26 weeks' more extension for those who have already lost their jobs or who are going to lose their jobs or for those who have unemployment benefits that have lapsed.”