Coats: Unemployment Benefits Bill Fails to Provide Necessary Reforms

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.) today spoke on the Senate floor about his amendments to legislation currently under consideration by the Senate that would extend unemployment benefits. Coats expressed his frustration that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) refused to allow debate and votes on amendments offered by individual senators.

“My position has been consistent – any extension of the emergency unemployment insurance benefits program must be responsibly paid for and include measures to reform the program,” said Coats. “The unemployment insurance benefits program needs to be reformed to ensure that it works better for those truly in need and connects those who are unemployed with available jobs. I am disappointed that these goals were not achieved.”

Coats introduced two amendments to the unemployment benefits bill. The first would reduce Social Security disability benefits by the amount of unemployment benefits a person receives.

“A person must be able to work in order to receive unemployment benefits and unable to work if receiving disability benefits,” said Coats.

The senator’s second amendment would prohibit individuals from receiving benefits if they fail to accept any offer of suitable work or if they refuse to apply for suitable work referred to them by the state employment agency.

“Only individuals who are actively seeking work but cannot find it should receive these benefits,” said Coats.