WASHINGTON, D.C. - Failing to recognize the dire economic straits facing millions of American families, House Republicans voted today to deny an extension of unemployment benefits for those who have exhausted or will exhaust their benefits in the coming months. The legislation, H.R. 5749, the Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act, would provide an immediate extension of unemployment benefits nationwide, with additional benefits available to states with high unemployment.
H.R. 5749 was introduced by Ways and Means Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Jim McDermott (D-WA) and passed by the Ways and Means Committee in April. While the legislation received strong bipartisan support on the House Floor today (all 230 Democratic members in attendance and 49 Republicans supported the measure), the bill was just three Republican votes short of the two-thirds majority required for passage. The House will consider the measure tomorrow under regular order requiring a simple majority.
“This bill was for the millions of families who worked hard every day, played by the rules, paid their taxes and still found themselves out of work through no fault of their own," said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY). “These millions count on us to do the right thing and respond when they are in need. When they look back on today’s vote, they will ask ‘which side were you on?’ - and the answer will be clear."
“Last Friday we saw the largest one-month jump in the unemployment rate in 22 years," said Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Jim McDermott (D-WA). “Across America, the unemployment rate is rising and people are worried about their home, their family, and their future. No one feels safe no matter where they live. This extension of unemployment benefits is a lifeboat to help the American people stay afloat during increasingly tough economic times. Anyone who votes against this bill is voting to deny reality."
The Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act would:
* Immediately provide up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits in every State.
* Provide an additional 13 weeks (for a total of 26) in States with high unemployment (six percent or higher)
* Be financed by the federal unemployment trust funds, which now have more than enough reserves to cover the cost.R. 5749 and the importance of extending unemployment benefits.
