WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Vice Chair of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC), released the following statement after the Senate passed a bill that would extend federal unemployment benefits for 2.8 million Americans:

“Today’s action brings us one step closer to providing critical relief to 2.8. million Americans so they can put gas in their cars and buy clothes for their kids while they look for work, and now the House needs to step up and pass this bill,” Klobuchar said. “This legislation provides a vital lifeline to hardworking families who are struggling to make ends meet, and that’s good for our economy.”

Earlier this year, Senator Klobuchar released a JEC report noting that since 2008, unemployment insurance has kept 11 million people out of poverty while boosting GDP.  She has also held a hearing on long-term unemployment and is focused on strengthening workforce development and skills training programs, boosting STEM education, reinvigorating the manufacturing industry, and increasing exports.

Klobuchar was a co-sponsor of legislation to prevent federal unemployment benefits from expiring at the end of 2013.

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