Blumenauer: Expiration of Long-term Benefits “Shameful” In Midst of Recession

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Earl Blumenauer released the following statement as unemployment benefits for nearly 2 million Americans began to expire.

“I am deeply disappointed that Congress has yet to extend long-term unemployment insurance in time for the holidays,” said Blumenauer. “For nearly two million workers, these monthly checks – just a couple hundred dollars to help make ends meet – have been a lifeline as they look for new jobs during this awful recession. I find it especially shameful that we are threatening to leave these families out in the cold at the same time that some members of Congress want us to spend $700 billion we don’t have on tax cuts for millionaires who don’t need them. Cutting off unemployment benefits won’t help us end this recession, it will only make it worse. I call on members of both parties to set aside politics and vote to extend these benefits for unemployed Americans.”

More than 5,600 Oregonians stand to lose their long-term unemployment benefits if Congress does not act.

In November, Blumenauer voted for H.R. 6419, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Continuation Act, which would have extended benefits through February 2011.