Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today called for a new vote to extend unemployment benefits after a vote failed in the House.

 “14.8 million Americans are unemployed.  A majority of them are workers that endure historic long-term unemployment.  At the current pace of job growth, it would take twenty years for the country to return to its pre-recession rate of unemployment.  The American people cannot afford to wait another 20 years for the country to fully recover from the longest recession it has experienced in seventy years.  

“Some argue that passing unemployment benefits will add to the deficit and therefore should be opposed.  Research tells us otherwise.  The $65 billion spent on extending benefits through 2011 is actually one of the most efficient ways to create new jobs and will increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by $105 billion.  This increase in the GDP will translate into approximately half-million jobs.  

"It would be a disgrace for Congress to adjourn without giving those who need our assistance the help they deserve.  This is not a hand out.  This is our responsibility.  I urge House leadership hold another vote as soon as possible. 

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