Detroit, MI — Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI-13) today urged Senate Republicans to stop blocking important legislation that would stimulate America’s economic recovery and put Michigan back to work.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed several bills that would create jobs and stimulate the economy. However, the legislation has been stalled in the U.S. Senate.

“Millions of unemployed Americans need help,” said Congresswoman Kilpatrick. “It is unfortunate that Republican Senators are blocking bills that would extend unemployment benefits and give many families, teachers, and small businesses some much needed relief.”

While the national economy has shown signs of improvement recently, the current pace of job creation is evidence that government action is needed to further stimulate our economy. Although the national unemployment rate currently stands at 9.5 percent, Michigan’s unemployment rate—the second highest in the nation—is 13.2 percent.

“Many people in the 13th Congressional District and throughout Michigan want and need jobs. I am working on creating a jobs program patterned after the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) used by Presidents Roosevelt, Carter, and Reagan to put Americans back to work,” said Congresswoman Kilpatrick. “The federal government must take the lead in making sure America’s families have jobs.”

Republicans in the Senate have blocked legislation that would extend unemployment benefits, fund youth employment, and provide emergency assistance for needy families working in public and private sector jobs. They are also impeding the funding of the National Housing Trust Fund, which will provide communities with funds to build, preserve, and rehabilitate rental homes that are affordable for low-income families.

Other provisions being blocked by Senate Republicans would:

Provide important tax cuts to put money back in the pockets of working families;

Help restore the flow of credit to enable small businesses to expand and hire new workers by extending small business loan programs;

Expand career training programs for Americans who are looking for work;

Extend eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own;

Ensure that seniors, military service members, and Americans with disabilities continue to have access to doctors they know and trust; and

Close tax loopholes for wealthy investment fund managers and foreign operations of multi-national companies.