Lynn C. Woolsey: “Well, it is about time the Republican leadership does something about the unemployed and something for the unemployed…”

“Well, it is about time the Republican leadership does something about the unemployed and something for the unemployed; but what they offer is too little, too late, and it does not cover those who have used up their benefits but are still not working. I would like to remind the gentlewoman from Washington State that unemployed workers cannot find jobs when there are not any. Just listen to one of my constituents. He says, ``I have a master's degree and I have not been able to find work. I also deal with a chronic illness. I find myself applying for food stamps and soon will be unable to pay any bills. I am not sure I will have a roof over my head very soon. A lot of people are having a very difficult time. Please, Congresswoman, try to make unemployment extensions a top priority.'' That is why I support the Rangel bill, H.R. 1652, the Unemployment Benefits Extension Act, which would provide 26 weeks of extended benefits through November 2003.”