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“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
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Pelosi Calls Upon Republicans to Reconvene to Immediately Extend Unemployment Insurance
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader-Elect Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today at a news conference urging President Bush and the Republican-led Congress to immediately extend unemployment insurance for nearly 800,000 jobless Americans whose benefits will run out three days after Christmas:
"When Congress returns in January, the Democratic Party will be prepared to offer ideas to stimulate this failing economy. The details of our proposal are still being worked out, but we know it will contain a comprehensive plan to extend unemployment benefits.
"Last week, President Bush said he supports extending unemployment benefits and so today, I call upon President Bush to ask our distinguished Speaker, Mr. Hastert, to call Congress back into session this afternoon. It would only take a few of us, by unanimous consent, to agree to that language already agreed to in the Senate for extending unemployment benefits. That would restore the "Merry" in "Merry Christmas" for 780,000 American families, who will lose their benefits on December 28.
"We can’t wait to solve this crisis. These are not people who can sell the yacht or cut back on the gardener’s time or call home for money. They need the money to pay for groceries and emergency expenses. This is a crisis. This is not about anything that is extra -- this is about what is absolutely necessary in working people’s lives.
"The President has recognized that there is a need to extend the benefits, so why not do it today? Why have these people have a shortfall over Christmas and the uncertainty that Congress will even act in a way that will be timely?
"When we return in January, I urge the Republicans join us in supporting the legislation put forth by my colleagues, Mr. Rangel and Mr. Cardin, which would guarantee at least 26 weeks of benefits to every jobless worker, thereby helping millions of families and stimulating the economy by boosting consumer demand.
"More than four million unemployed workers would directly benefit from this legislation. These are the families most affected by the economic downturn, and they need real help, not empty promises. This comprehensive expansion is not only compassionate. It makes good economic sense.
"Research shows that during previous recessions, the stimulative power of unemployment benefits saved an average of 131,000 jobs and slowed the drop in the Gross Domestic Product by 15 percent. National studies have shown that $1 in unemployment insurance leads to $2.15 worth of economic growth.
"Every week without unemployment insurance benefits, states lose $200 million in cash - cash that in all likelihood would be spent at the local grocery store and the local gas station.
"Extending the unemployment insurance requires no new funds. Workers and businesses contribute to unemployment. This is an insurance program, not a hand out. It’s their money for crisis times - just like these."
“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
