On the recordDecember 7, 2011
I thank the gentleman from Texas for joining us and explaining what this means in his State and throughout the country. We're determined to tell the stories and, as I said, to put faces on these numbers. And to do that, I have joined with other Ways and Means Democrats to launch an extend unemployment program e-call Web site. As of this week, 2,590 Americans have joined the e-call, and we have received 501 stories from jobless Americans. Before I call on the gentleman from Illinois to join, I would like to read, if I might, just a couple more. This is from Nick of Clinton Township, Michigan. ``I was unemployed from August 2008 until March 2010 after working for 23\1/2\ years at my job. {time} 1830 ``My job was sent to Sao Paulo, Brazil. Had it not been for extended unemployment benefits, I would have lost my house.'' Nick of Clinton Township. And let me read what was said by Peter of Warren, Michigan: ``I was permanently laid off from American Axle. I worked there 15 years and our jobs were sent to Mexico. As of this time, I have not found a job. I have been looking over 2 years now, and nothing in Michigan. I am in the TRA/TAA program to be reeducated, but my benefits will run out before I finish my school, and I will not get the degree in my field.'' Again, from Peter of Warren, Michigan. I now would like to call, if I might, on the gentleman from Illinois to join us. And then, if I might, the sponsor of this legislation, Mr. Doggett of Texas.
