Ben Cardin: “I do strongly object to congressional inaction on an issue of daily importance to millions of Americans, that is, the…”

“I do strongly object to congressional inaction on an issue of daily importance to millions of Americans, that is, the extension of unemployment benefits for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said earlier this month, ``I think considering the possibility of extending unemployment benefits is not a bad idea in times like this.'' Congress allowed the temporary extended unemployment compensation program to expire at the end of last year despite a tremendous need for these extended benefits. Many of us have been trying to extend the program ever since, but the Republican leadership in Congress has continually blocked those attempts. This obstructionism has occurred even though majorities in both the House and the Senate have voted to extend unemployment benefits. This obstructionism has gone on despite the fact that the average duration of unemployment has reached its highest level in over 20 years. This obstructionism continues even after we have heard our economy had a zero private sector growth in jobs last month. This obstructionism blocks action even as more than 1 million Americans have run out of unemployment benefits without finding work in just the last 3 months.”