Says House Leadership Cannot Hold the American People Hostage

(Washington) – Congressman John B. Larson released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate voted to advance a bill extending unemployment benefits:

“Today the Senate moved Congress in the right direction by advancing a bill that would provide relief to 1.3 million Americans impacted by the recent loss of unemployment insurance. Looking ahead, House Leadership cannot hold the American people hostage as this measure advances. In the depths of this cold winter, we must vote to extend benefits that are morally right and economically sound to those who need our help.

“Over a million people across the country lost their unemployment insurance after its expiration last month, including nearly 24,000 Connecticut residents. My office has been fielding calls from constituents across the First Congressional District, including Dave from West Hartford who stands to lose his unemployment benefits this week, and others who are facing the loss of this critical assistance.

“I am prepared to continue working with members on both sides of the aisle to extend unemployment benefits and help those in need, like Dave and Connecticut’s own Katherine Hackett, who eloquently voiced the concerns of her fellow unemployed when she appeared at the White House this morning with President Obama.”

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