[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 10, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               DEMOCRATIC PROPOSAL TO EXTEND UI BENEFITS

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                          HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2004

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, the Republican economists, the Wall Street 
Journal and other conservative propaganda organs are loudly proclaiming 
that the recession is over. They are trumpeting a new prosperity. But 
there are no jobs for the more than three million who lost their jobs. 
In my District unemployment is an awful reality. Every worker would 
like to be employed in a job that allows him to bring home a check big 
enough to meet his family's needs. However, if you don't have a job, 
then you welcome the desperately needed unemployment insurance.
  The stories of two unemployed workers in my district put a human face 
on the ugly statistics related to this calamity. John Pleck and Nina 
Worrell both face an uncertain future because of the Bush 
Administration's focus on tax cuts for the rich. John's UI benefits 
expired in December, leaving him with no income. He spends each day 
searching the ``job wanted ads'' while submitting applications for 
various jobs. The Democratic plan would provide John with more time to 
find a well paying job. John's story is heard everyday throughout the 
United States. In fact, John's current situation is very similar to 
another constituent in my district. Mrs. Nina Worrell spent 14 years 
working for United Airlines. Mrs. Worrell has been unemployed for more 
than a year and has struggled to pay her bills. Her UI benefits also 
expired in December, leaving Mrs. Worrell with few choices. While she 
has continued to search for a new job, the unemployment rate in New 
York has continued to skyrocket. We must extend UI benefits for people 
such as John and Nina.
  The Republican Administration continues to support policies that harm 
America: Continuation of the Republican war against working families; 
failure to appreciate contributions of working families to the overall 
national resources and purpose; the war in Iraq being fought by the 
relatives of these unemployed Americans.
  Democrats prefer an economic stimulus package for jobs. The 
compassionate, the right action to take, the policy which best serves 
the national interests and national security at this time is the simple 
extension of unemployment insurance.
  I urge a ``yes'' vote for this amendment.

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