WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chair of the House
Education and Labor Committee, issued the following statement after
House Republicans blocked an emergency extension of unemployment
insurance today. On November 27, two million workers stand to lose
unemployment insurance benefits unless Congress extends them. Millions
more will lose this lifeline in the weeks and months to follow.
“Unfortunately, millions of Americans out of work through no fault of their own will face a deeper crisis unless Congress breaks through the partisanship to extend unemployment insurance benefits. While nothing can take the place of a good-paying job, ensuring that families have food on the table and a roof over their heads during the holiday season is the decent and right thing to do and strengthens our economy. Unemployment insurance is vital to help families pay for the basics while they look for a new job and for local businesses who count on customers to keep their doors open.
“The economy is slowly turning around and jobs are starting to come back. But, jobs are not returning fast enough for the millions of Americans dealing with this historic economic crisis. Republicans are once again turning their back on hard working Americans and their families. Congress should extend these benefits before they expire. Our nation should not leave millions of Americans’ tables bare this Thanksgiving.”
“The economy is slowly turning around and jobs are starting to come back. But, jobs are not returning fast enough for the millions of Americans dealing with this historic economic crisis. Republicans are once again turning their back on hard working Americans and their families. Congress should extend these benefits before they expire. Our nation should not leave millions of Americans’ tables bare this Thanksgiving.”
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