WASHINGTON - Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) made the following statement regarding the GOP unemployment insurance proposal, which would slash federal unemployment insurance next year from a maximum of 73 weeks to 33 weeks:
“While we don’t have all the details, in this case the devil is made plain in the general outlines of the Republican proposal. The plan Republicans presented this morning would slash federal unemployment insurance by more than half, cutting by 40 weeks Americans’ eligibility for assistance - even as we continue to emerge from the worst recession in 80 years. Also very concerning are indications that Republicans may propose undermining access to regular state unemployment benefits in the future.
“The Republican proposal would leave millions of Americans out in the cold as they search for work. I can only hope that when Republicans go home this weekend they will talk with unemployed Americans and begin to understand the exceptionally challenging circumstances they face. There are more than four unemployed Americans for every job opening. It is time for Republicans to stop blaming the unemployed and start working with Democrats to pass a comprehensive jobs plan that helps get them back to work."
