On the recordMarch 10, 2010
the Senate can take an important step today in alleviating the incredible strains this continuing economic crisis is having on thousands of families in my State, and millions of families across America. In approving the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010, we can end what has been an agonizing procession of will-we-or-won't-we votes on extending unemployment benefits and COBRA insurance subsidies for those who have lost their jobs. And we can ensure that, by extending enhanced Federal payments to State Medicaid programs, crucial health coverage and other vital State services are not cut. Those who doubt the wisdom of extending unemployment and COBRA benefits until the end of this year should hear the phone calls and read the letters that have come into my office over the past few weeks. By approving this legislation, we will ensure that these families are not left in limbo by delays in Congress. Giving them some measure of certainty, at a time when the economic crisis has turned so much upside-down, is the right thing to do.
