Extending Assistance for Unemployed Americans

Congress’ first priority at the start of 2014 should be an extension of emergency unemployment insurance for millions of Americans still struggling to find work.  Unfortunately, House Republicans don’t seem willing to take action to help people while the economy continues to improve.  For example, Rep. Tom Cole recently stated:

I thank the Speaker. Arguably, Mr. Speaker, this Congress is the least productive one in which I have served over the last 33 years, both from a humanitarian standpoint and an economic one. This Congress has earned the disdain of the American people, irrespective of their party affiliation.

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) joined 165 House Democrats today in a letter urging Speaker John Boehner not to adjourn the House for the year without bringing up an extension of federal unemployment insurance, which is scheduled to expire December 28. 

MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP

The House is scheduled to meet for only five more days this year, and I'm disappointed that House Republican leaders appear ready to head home without finishing our work on a long list of critical legislation.

"Thank you for being here. We talk in Washington about big numbers - billions, millions - of people. Too infrequently we talk about individuals, the Stans, the Veras, the Lisas of America that our actions affect immediately and directly on a daily basis.

Wanted to make sure you all saw today’s scathing editorial in the New York Times lambasting House Republicans’ latest excuse to have no legislative agenda:

“This legislation exemplifies this Do-Nothing Republican Congress.  Once again, Republicans are choosing to focus on a political messaging bill over serious issues like jobs, middle-class tax cuts, or a farm bill.  Instead, the House is wasting time on a Republican bill that misrepresents the facts in an attempt to score political points.

This morning’s announcement that our economy added 200,000 jobs in December, bringing our unemployment rate down to 8.5%, is a sign of progress and provides further evidence that our economy is recovering. However, while we have now experienced twenty-two straight months of private sector job growth, too many Americans remain out of work.