On the recordJuly 20, 2010
I believe that it is critical to our economic recovery to extend unemployment benefits for several more months and assist struggling States and local governments so that they can avoid layoffs of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and others. Right now there are 15 million out-of-work Americans who are waiting on the Senate to extend unemployment benefits, which contribute to paying mortgages, health care, utility bills, and the cost of food. The Democratic unemployment bill would provide unemployment checks averaging about $300 to people whose 26 weeks of State-paid benefits have run out. The benefits would be extended through the end of November. We know these benefits not only are a much-needed lifeline for jobless Americans and their families. They also provide a proven boost to our struggling economy. Mr. Speaker, the Democrats are fighting to help middle class Americans while the majority of the Republicans are blocking a commonsense bill at a time of great economic challenge. I urge the Senate to pass the unemployment extension to those Americans who are seeking employment every day as they go and look at the Web sites and visit companies and are told there is no work. How could the Republicans then say that extending unemployment is going to keep people from looking for work? They want work. We know that the jobs have gone. We need to recreate jobs. So let's save middle America so that they will be able to provide for the needs of their families.
