Political Quotes

“Last week, I unveiled the ``Faces of the Unemployed,'' an effort to help put a human face on the unemployment crisis. Yesterday, out-of-work Americans from all over the country came to Congress to tell their story, and they were shut out of the Capitol Building. They were not allowed to share their experiences inside the building that belongs to them and in front of the people they sent to Congress. Mr. Speaker, you may have stopped them from sharing their stories inside the Capitol yesterday, but with the ``Faces of the Unemployed,'' their faces and stories will be in the Halls of Congress every single day until you bring this bill to the floor for a vote. There are 2.5 million Americans without this safety net today, and that number could reach nearly 5 million if Congress does not act to extend unemployment benefits before the end of this year. These are real Americans, many of whom have worked their whole lives until recently and now can't afford basic necessities. They spent all their savings. Some have become homeless, and others are on the verge of losing everything. Every one of these people deserves a vote, Mr. Speaker. I urge you to bring the Senate bill to the floor for an immediate vote so that we can extend unemployment benefits and help millions of Americans. ____________________”