On the recordMarch 14, 2014
Mr. Speaker, the bipartisan Senate legislation on unemployment insurance is a major step forward for millions of job- seeking Americans. It has been 76 days since the Federal unemployment insurance expired for 1.3 million job-seeking Americans. During that time, an additional 700,000 people have seen their lifeline cut off, hindering their efforts to get work and hurting our economy. When you add it up, as a result of failure to act, $3 billion has been taken out of the economy in January and February alone. Upon passage in the Senate, I urge Republicans in the House to follow this bipartisan path to assist the long-term unemployed who have been without Federal assistance since December 28. They and their families' needs are urgent. It is the responsibility of this, the people's House, to act on behalf of the people, the millions of long-term unemployed looking for work. ____________________
