Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, millions of hardworking Americans have lost their jobs in this economic crisis through no fault of their own. But rather than standing up and helping struggling Americans, yesterday this Chamber advanced a bill doomed to fail because of all of the unrelated and controversial riders that were attached. According to the Rhode Island State director of labor, for every two part- or full-time positions in Rhode Island there are seven applicants. There's an urgent need for Congress to extend Federal emergency unemployment compensation in my State with a total of 58,000 unemployed Rhode Islanders. This social safety net provides a lifeline to struggling individuals, helping them to pay their mortgage and utilities as well as put food on the table for their families. Families like Betsy Hamel's in Jamestown, Rhode Island. Betsy supports her disabled husband and her severely disabled son but doesn't know how she'll make ends meet while continuing to look for work if unemployment assistance is not extended. It's time to stop playing partisan games and stand up for the millions of Americans like Betsy and extend unemployment benefits now. ____________________”