{Statement by Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono
in the U.S. House of Representatives
on the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act becoming law}
WASHINGTON, D.C.—{Unemployment is higher today than it has been in the past 16 years. This week Congress recognized the record rise in unemployment, and passed the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act. President Bush signed the act into law today, providing 7 additional weeks of unemployment compensation to millions of unemployed Americans. This extension of unemployment benefits supplements the previous 13 weeks Unemployment extension provided in the Supplemental Appropriations Act which became law in June. Both of these bills provide unemployment compensation in addition to the 26 normal weeks of compensation for jobless workers.
Hirono said, “Workers in Hawaii and throughout the nation are looking for work, but the rapid economic decline means more and more people are competing for fewer and fewer jobs. The House of Representatives passed this bill in early October. I am glad this bill finally became law, as it will help thousands of unemployed workers in Hawaii who are struggling to feed their families, pay their bills, and keep their homes.”
“Much more needs to be done. I strongly support passage of a stimulus package that spurs job creation by investing in fixing our nation’s transportation and clean water infrastructure,” said Hirono.}
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