WALLY HERGER: “like everyone else in this Chamber, I'm concerned about rising unemployment, but this legitimate concern does not…”

“like everyone else in this Chamber, I'm concerned about rising unemployment, but this legitimate concern does not justify Congress making poor policy. I'm concerned that H.R. 5749 significantly departs from the long-standing Federal policy that workers should have meaningful employment before collecting extended unemployment benefits. By excluding the minimum 20 weeks of work requirement, this legislation would allow someone with as little as 2 weeks of work to qualify for up to 52 weeks of unemployment benefits. This moves away from the core purpose of unemployment benefits and towards a welfare-like system. In addition, such expansive benefits may force States to raise payroll taxes, resulting in slower job creation and further squeezing workers' wages. This won't help current workers or unemployed workers in search of new jobs. I believe expecting at least 20 weeks of work in exchange for 52 weeks of unemployment benefit is fair to U.S. workers and would limit any negative impact on job growth and workers' income. Unfortunately, today's legislation doesn't include this common-sense requirement, even though Democratic Members were nearly unanimous in supporting this requirement in the legislation creating the 2002-2004 temporary extended benefits program.”