SKELTON: EXTENDING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS WILL HELP TO STIMULATE THE ECONOMY

          WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) commended the passage of H.R. 6867, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008, a bipartisan bill that will extend unemployment benefits for seven weeks and for 13 weeks in states with unemployment rates above 6 percent.
 
          “This week, the government reported the number of new claims for unemployment benefits climbed to the highest level in 16 years.  And, today 6.5 percent of Missourians are without employment.  The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act comes at a critical time.   
 
          “Extending unemployment benefits is one of the most cost-effective ways to stimulate the economy and to ensure those who have lost work have the resources they need to take care of family needs.  But, during these challenging times, the Congress and the President must continue working to implement economic policies that will create jobs and strengthen the middle class.  I am optimistic that Congress can and will move forward with bold plans that will help put our economy back on track,” Skelton said.

          The U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 6867 on October 3, 2008, by a vote of 368 to 28.  On November 20, 2008, the U.S. Senate passed the legislation by a vote of 89 to 6.  The President signed H.R. 6867 into law on November 21, 2008.

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Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Rebecca Loving or Whitney Frost at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.