Jerry Nadler: “As most Members know, this legislation will extend by 13 weeks disaster unemployment assistance, or DUA. DUA is extended…”

“As most Members know, this legislation will extend by 13 weeks disaster unemployment assistance, or DUA. DUA is extended only to those people who lost their jobs as a direct result of the September 11 terrorist attack on our country, but who do not qualify for normal unemployment insurance. Currently, the number of people receiving DUA stands at 2,500. That is what we are talking about in this bill, 2,500 people, although as individuals find work, hopefully this number will decline. These people overwhelmingly hold blue collar jobs and are the lowest paid in our economy. They include hotel workers, janitors and window washers. They are the most vulnerable members in our society and most in need of our help. Funding for this program is already in place by way of last year's supplemental appropriations act for New York disaster relief. This legislation is urgent as DUA benefits have already terminated.”