WASHINGTON – Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) on Jan. 9 signed a letter, led by Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), urging House Speaker John Boehner to schedule a vote to extend emergency unemployment insurance for 1.3 million Americans who lost their benefits due to congressional inaction at the end of the year.
“As members of the freshman class, we are writing to request an immediate, up-or-down vote to extend long-term unemployment insurance for 1.3 million Americans,” the letter reads.
“Mr. Speaker, our constituents elected us to Congress to govern. The American people deserve an immediate vote to extend unemployment insurance benefits. Congress – and our economy – cannot afford to sit idle as so many Americans desperately wait for us to act,” the letter continues.
“With the unemployment rate in the Inland Empire higher than the national average, it’s clear that thousands of residents, who are our family members and friends, need these benefits,” said Takano. “Failing to extend unemployment insurance for thousands of residents in the Inland Empire, and millions across the nation, is reckless and irresponsible. I hope that Speaker Boehner and the Republican majority realize the effects of failing to extend these benefits and move promptly to help the Americans who need it the most.”
After Congress let benefits expire on Dec. 28, $400 million was drained from state economies due to the lapse in federal unemployment insurance, according to a new study.
I cannot find work, Period. I don’t want a handout. I want to feed my kids, pay my bills and maintain until I find work. Congress, must act now! I wish I could go to the grocery store with the option to pay later. While recessing next week, my family with be without, however, enjoy your time off!
“We’d be happy to offer amendments just as soon as the guy whose dictating what the amendments ought to be will let us offer them,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, who voted for the filibuster.
Nothing dead in congress! The legislative branch needs to take care of business and get unemployment extension approved in the month January 2014. Legislative branch were put in office by the people and need to adhere to responses from the people by working together to provide a service (unemployment extension) for the people. The legislative branch should not put the burden of the unemployed on the State by reducing those who want to work to applying for general relief! The unemployed contributed to this country GDP and revenue when working and will contribute more once employed. Provide the assistance to motivate and help these american citizen to provide for themselves. Let’s not create a image of prosperity on the outside when on the inside those in need are struggling to make ends meet. This country does not need more homeless people, individuals hanging on the street to make a buck. Got a interview in a couple hours and just wanted to show support for what is right.
American legislative branch needs to come to a compromise for the good of the country and extend unemployment insurance. Stop the bickering and come to an agreement for the American citizen that believe in their government. Time to pull together and get this approve!
I really wish congress can get things right. I lost my job 7 month a go do to cuts in the company. I’ve been trying to find another job but still haven’t found one yet. I just think it’s unfair to lose your job in no fault of your own. and after working for over 25 years then congress cuts my money. but our country can help other countries but can’t take care of there own people. I really wish congress can have there money taken away for a month and see how they feel.
It’s been three weeks with no benefits. How about the fat cats in DC taking a pay cut for a month. All you are doing is adding evidence to the notion of “reelect no-one”. Shame on every one of you.