Neal Dunn: “As we all know, the extended unemployment benefits we passed last year are due to expire on December 28. Without an…”

“As we all know, the extended unemployment benefits we passed last year are due to expire on December 28. Without an extension thousands of dislocated workers will lose the unemployment benefits they need to make ends meet as they search for a job. The problem is extenuated in areas like Washington State, where unemployment rates continue to be high and jobs are very tough to find. Extending the Federal unemployment benefits for an additional 5 weeks will help about 45,400 dislocated workers living in Washington State alone. It is the least that we in Congress can do before adjourning for the year to ensure that every family has a happy holiday season. This bill is a targeted approach to help individuals who need it the most. It is a step toward providing temporary assistance at a time when our country is getting back on the track to recovery. I urge my colleagues to vote for this important bill, and I hope that the other body will adopt this bill before leaving for the year.”