Congressman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement regarding the Democrats continued refusal to pay for needed unemployment insurance by cutting spending elsewhere in the vast federal budget.

“Americans want to work, but the Democrats’ job-killing policies and reckless deficit spending are obstructing the creation of new job opportunities,” said Congressman Price. “As a result, a disappointingly large number of Americans remain in need of unemployment benefits. Sadly, this assistance has been needlessly delayed by Democrats who refuse to even consider paying for what they spend. Surely we can find spending cuts somewhere in the vast federal budget to offset the cost of this extension. Via YouCut and other initiatives, Republicans and the American people have pointed out literally dozens of wasteful programs that fit the bill.

“In the long run, we can best help the unemployed by creating an environment in which employers are not afraid to hire. Since Democrats took the reins of federal spending in 2007, the national debt has skyrocketed by 52 percent. Along with the rest of their job-killing agenda, this incredible addiction to debt is hurting the private sector and putting families and businesses on the defensive. Republicans will continue to champion responsible solutions to our nation’s debt and unemployment crises.”

Note: In addition to the House Republicans’ YouCut initiative, the Republican Study Committee has also proposed specific spending cuts through the Sunset Caucus and our FY 2011 budget proposal.