Louise Slaughter: “Mr. Speaker, with unemployment rates increasing daily, this is the third month in a row, now that we are in May, that…”

“Mr. Speaker, with unemployment rates increasing daily, this is the third month in a row, now that we are in May, that this economy has lost jobs. Of the 8.8 million unemployed, 2 million out of work for 27 weeks or more, the average length of unemployment is nearly 20 weeks, the highest since 1984. These Americans need relief, and they need it immediately. Current Federal unemployment benefits expire at the end of this month, just 2 rac{1}{2} weeks away. On two separate occasions last week, the Republicans in this House voted to block an opportunity to extend these benefits. Let us not let unemployed Americans down a third time. Let us bring this greatly needed responsible legislation to the floor for a vote.”