Dear Chairman Camp:
We write to request that in the days remaining this year you turn the Committee’s focus to the economy, as Americans continue to recover from the deep economic crisis. To that end, an urgent economic issue confronts us through the pending expiration of the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program on Dec. 28, when 1.3 million Americans would immediately lose vital insurance as they continue to look for work. Without a continuation of the program, economic growth would take a hit to the tune of 310,000 jobs, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
It has been 131 days since Ways and Means has held a full Committee hearing on an issue other than the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. With the end of the year fast approaching, we must hear from Americans who just days after Christmas would immediately lose their unemployment insurance if Congress takes no action. We invite you to work with us in setting up such a hearing, so that the human consequences of the pending expiration of the federal unemployment insurance program are fully understood.
Sincerely,
Ways and Means Democrats
