[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 103 (Friday, June 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        EMERGENCY EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2008

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of H.R. 5749, the Emergency 
Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2008. Mr. Speaker as you know 
this bill provides up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits to 
those individuals and families struggling to find work.
  The relief this measure brings to the 3.9 million Americans and the 
221,000 residents of my State of Illinois is monumental and much 
needed. When I look at my own congressional district, I am saddened. I 
am saddened that the plight of this economy is taking such a toll on 
those who are out of work or just plain down on their luck.
  The statistics are staggering and upsetting. While the national 
unemployment rate stands at 5.1 percent, the State of Illinois is 
suffering a 6.1 percent unemployment rate, and the Chicagoland area is 
suffering a 5.8 percent rate of unemployment. Moreover, minorities are 
disproportionately suffering in this time of rising job loss. 
Nationally, African Americans account for 8.8 percent of the 
unemployed; while the rate in the State of Illinois is 10.3 percent, 
and specifically in Chicago a rate of 10.6 percent.
  Hard working families and people struggling to make ends meet are 
calling on us to make them the priority. With the price of gas and food 
climbing exponentially, rising home foreclosures, and businesses 
reducing their employment rolls--we in Congress have a responsibility 
to ensure the well being of our citizens.
  The families of the First Congressional District, the State of 
Illinois and indeed the Nation, cannot wait on the Bush administration 
for help any longer. Chicago is suffering, Mr. Speaker, Illinois is 
hurting, America is in need of drastic relief of the Bush economic 
policies and we cannot afford to let these continue on our watch.
  We Democrats have worked tirelessly this Congress to push issues and 
effect positive change in the economic lives of not only my 
constituents but the entire country. We have continually been met with 
resistance by our friends from the other side of the aisle.
  Mr. Speaker, I support the immediate extension of unemployment 
benefits and strongly urge my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 
5749.

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