Hoyer Statement on the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act

WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the House passed the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act (H.R. 5618):

“Today, the House voted to restore and extend unemployment insurance for more than 1 million Americans facing long-term joblessness. Unemployment insurance lends a hand to Americans who are out of work through no fault of their own, and who find it harder to find a job for each month they remain out of work. And it is an entirely reasonable step at a time when more than half of working adults, according to a Pew Research Center survey, report that they have been directly affected by the recession, whether by joblessness, pay cuts, or forced reductions in hours. In addition, unemployment insurance, because it is quickly spent, is a very effective stimulus for local economies.

“I urge Republicans to join us in restoring and extending these needed benefits at a time of great economic hardship. After 18 months of opposing and obstructing the interests of the middle class, and after House Republican Leader Boehner compared the recession to the size of an ‘ant,’ it is time for them to finally side with their constituents over special interests.”


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