Hank Johnson: “Our country is emerging from the worst recession in generations. Million of Americans, our neighbors, friends and…”

“Our country is emerging from the worst recession in generations. Million of Americans, our neighbors, friends and constituents, are still out of work. Millions of those we represent have been out of work for more than 99 weeks. It's difficult for anyone who has not experienced long-term unemployment to fully understand the economic and emotional hardship caused by long-term unemployment. We all agree that we must help these Americans who are too often unemployed due to no fault of their own. That's why I have serious concerns regarding the recent news reports about blatant discrimination against the unemployed. According to news reports, employers are posting job advertisements stating ``must be currently employed'' or ``no unemployed candidates will be considered at all.'' {time} 2040 This, Madam Speaker, is unacceptable. A policy where employers discriminate against the unemployed is unfair, unreasonable, and callously ignores the effects of the recession on millions of highly qualified workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Such a policy also disproportionately hurts minorities, as we suffer from higher unemployment rates. If this trend of employers discriminating against the unemployed continues, it will only prolong the suffering of people victimized by the unemployment crisis. Discriminating against the unemployed will not help America on its path to economic recovery. My amendment is simple.…”