Nita Lowey: “In closing, I would like to thank again the distinguished Chairman Rogers and all the Appropriations Committee. I would…”

“In closing, I would like to thank again the distinguished Chairman Rogers and all the Appropriations Committee. I would like to say another word in following up with our ranking member, Mr. Farr. I too reentered government after I raised my children, and I ran the anti-poverty program in New York State. I felt so passionately that what most people want is a hand up, not a hand out. This is why the temporary extension of unemployment insurance is so important. Just this week, I met with a man, 52 years old, a licensed electrician. He said for the last 10 years he wanted to work every day, as he always did before, but he never worked a complete year because in my district, in Westchester and Rockland, there is 40 percent unemployment in the construction trades. So I would ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, let's pass this extension of unemployment insurance and make sure as we consider these bills next year we focus on investments, strengthen the economy, create jobs, and make sure that we give every person that opportunity to fulfill their dreams. I yield back the balance of my time.”