November 21, 2008

Congressman Gregory Meeks Statement on Unemployment Legislation

(WASHINGTON, DC)–Congressman Gregory Meeks applauds the passage of H.R. 6867, which has passed in the House and Senate and was signed into law by the President. This legislation extends benefits to those who are unemployed by 13 weeks in states with an unemployment rate of at least 6 percent.

“More and more Americans have been losing their jobs and have not been able to provide for their families. I am confident that with the passing of this legislation there will be expedited relief to help benefit those who have suffered job loss during this severe economic downturn.  In the month of October alone 240,000 Americans suffered job losses with 1.2 million losses for the year of 2008. I believe that it is extremely important that Congress and the President continue to work in bipartisan efforts to help Americans survive these economic hardships and have the financial support they need while looking for potential employment,” said Congressman Meeks.

Now serving in his sixth full-term, Meeks was elected to the House on February 3, 1998. Representing New York's Sixth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, Meeks' district covers all towns of Southeast Queens, Far Rockaway and Howard Beach. He is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs.  Meeks is a Member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), New Democrats Caucus and the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC).  He serves as the Co-chair of the Malaysia Caucus, Services Caucus, Dialogue Caucus and the Middle East Economic Partnership Caucus. 

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