[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 165 (Friday, November 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 5, 2009

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
3548, the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009. 
There are currently millions of workers who are looking for a job, but 
through no fault of their own are unable to find employment. This bill 
would extend emergency unemployment for an additional 20 weeks in high 
unemployment States like Massachusetts. In Massachusetts alone, the 
National Employment Law Center estimates that 39,530 workers would be 
exhausting their benefits if not for the additional assistance created 
by this bill. I cosponsored this extension, and have been a strong 
supporter of extended unemployment compensation during economic 
recessions so that those most directly affected by these difficult 
times are not left to fend for themselves.
  I also support extending the temporary homebuyer tax credit, which 
will help more Americans purchase homes. Congress first passed this 
provision in July 2008 by creating a refundable tax credit for first-
time homebuyers. The credit served as an interest-free loan. In 
February, Congress extended the duration of the credit and also waived 
the repayment requirement. I supported the homebuyer tax credit on both 
occasions.
  H.R. 3548 includes a provision to extend the homebuyer tax credit for 
5 additional months and to raise the income cap so more families are 
eligible. In addition, the measure would provide a $6,500 tax credit 
for current homeowners buying a new residence who consecutively live in 
their home for 5 years. I am a proud supporter of this reasonable 
extension of the homebuyer tax credit.
  I urge my colleagues to pass this bill quickly and clear it for the 
President.

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