On the recordJanuary 13, 2014
we are currently debating yet another extension to the emergency unemployment compensation program. While there are differences of opinion in this Chamber about this particular program, I think we would all agree that the fact we are even having this debate is unfortunate. Make no mistake, our Nation continues to face difficulties when it comes to job growth, labor force participation, and long-term unemployment, as has been the case throughout the Obama administration. Under this administration, it has been harder to find a job than at any other point in our Nation's recent history. But let's be clear about something. The plight of the long-term unemployed is not the major problem facing America today. It is, instead, just a symptom of a much larger problem. That larger problem is the fact that despite the efforts of many of us here in Congress, our government has not done enough to promote economic growth in this country. Far too often, our government has interfered in ways that have stunted growth and prevented a robust recovery from taking place. Five years into his Presidency, it is clear that President Obama does not have a plan to address these problems. Surely, he has a list of ways that he would like to expand the government and redistribute income but nothing resembling a plan to promote private-sector job growth. Instead, he has a political plan of attack, and this debate over unemployment insurance is part of that attack plan.…
