| (Washington, D.C.) Fourth District Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.) Wednesday called on his colleagues in Congress to extend unemployment benefits to 4.6 million dislocated workers before the House of Representatives adjourns for the year in the coming weeks. Under current law, unemployment benefits would expire December 31.
"The need to extend unemployment insurance is great," said Ross. "Since January 2001, 3.2 million workers have lost their jobs. Before Congress adjourns this year, we must make sure that the millions of Americans who are out of work continue to receive help as they continue searching for jobs."
Ross added his signature to a discharge petition Wednesday, which will allow immediate consideration of a bill to extend the federal benefits program for an additional six months, increase the amount of benefits to 26 weeks, include coverage for roughly one million workers who have already exhausted their extended benefits, and expand unemployment insurance coverage for low-wage and part-time workers.
Ross also noted, "that while there are some positive economic indicators, huge job and trade deficits continue. Thousands of newly unemployed workers are filing for unemployment benefits every week. Only one out of four dislocated workers will be able to find a job before their benefits expire and manufacturing jobs continue to be exported to other countries.
"Not only will extending unemployment benefits help unemployed Americans, but it is also an effective way to bring back the economy and create jobs. Economists have estimated that each $1.00 spent on unemployment benefits results in $1.73 in economic growth."
If the discharge petition receives 218 signatures, the Republican Leadership will be required to allow the House of Representatives to consider the measure immediately. A discharge petition is the mechanism used to force a House vote on legislation that has been bottled up in committee. |
