Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, during the rule, a Member of the minority came here regarding the plight of millions of unemployed who were losing their unemployment insurance, saying that he came to the floor with a heavy heart. I think the unemployed and all of America welcome heavy hearts, but if there isn't a helping hand, a heavy heart doesn't work. So, within this framework, I want to list very briefly the basic facts for everyone to consider and for all of our country to hear. The 1.7 million unemployed workers, unemployed through no fault of their own and who are looking for work, will have lost their benefits by the end of this week--1.7 million. By the end of next week, if there is not action, 2.1 million. By the middle of July, when Congress can address this issue again, 2.5 million. The average unemployment insurance in this country is about $300 a week. That is about half of the previous wage on average, and for a family of four, that average check is only 74 percent of the poverty level. That should refute the notion that those who are unemployed, who have no benefits, who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, are not looking for work. Indeed, the figure is very clear. For every job available, there are five unemployed workers. There is one other fact because this has been raised. It is the notion that this is unfunded. By the way, that is provided as an emergency under statutory PAYGO.”