Shelley Berkley: “Congress has taken several steps to shore up the Nation's economy, including passage of the economic stimulus bill that…”

“Congress has taken several steps to shore up the Nation's economy, including passage of the economic stimulus bill that provided millions of Americans with rebate checks and measures to help homeowners struggling to stay in their homes. This legislation is an important next step. The once recession-proof economy of my district of Las Vegas has not been spared the effects of this downturn. In fact, Nevada has been hit harder than any other State by the foreclosure crisis, and currently our unemployment rate is above the national average. With gas prices and the cost of food skyrocketing, fewer visitors are coming to Las Vegas. That means that more workers are going to be laid off. It is, therefore, absolutely critical that Congress step up and pass an extension of unemployment benefits. I support the bill we are considering today because it will help thousands of hardworking Nevadans get by until the situation improves and they can return to work.”