[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 140 (Thursday, October 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2420-E2421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       H.R. 3548, UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 2009

  Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, on September 22, 2009 the House of 
Representatives passed H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation 
Extension Act of 2009 with my support. I voted for H.R. 3548, 
legislation that would extend unemployment benefits by 13 weeks for 
states with unemployment rates in excess of 8.5%. Our nation is 
currently facing significant economic challenges, including the highest 
unemployment rates in over twenty years. With nearly five million 
Americans and 290,000 Virginians out of work, I believe extending 
unemployment benefits was the right thing to do.
  Several localities in Virginia's First Congressional District 
experienced unemployment above 8% this summer. However, I am 
disappointed that H.R. 3548 would not extend benefits in Virginia 
because the states unemployment rate is currently below 7%. This bill's 
8% threshold needlessly overlooks struggling families in Virginia. I 
would like to see this measure amended to extend the same unemployment 
benefits to all Americans regardless of where they live.
  I understand that unemployment is putting significant strains on 
local families. That's why I recently hosted a First District Job Fair 
featuring state, federal, and private employers. Hundreds of First 
District residents attended the successful job fair and are now on 
their way into the workforce.

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