[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 14, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H5552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

  (Ms. HIRONO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, by continuing to deny the extension of 
unemployment benefits, Republicans are perpetuating their heartlessness 
on the backs of the working people of this country. Last week in Hilo, 
I met a group of contractors who shared with me not only their 
struggles in today's difficult economy, but that of people they know 
who have lost their jobs. These hardworking people can't find jobs not 
for a lack of effort but for a lack of jobs.
  Before the July 4 recess, the House passed a bill that would extend 
unemployment benefits through the end of November. This extension would 
save 6,000 residents in Hawaii from losing their benefits. Every month 
that Congress fails to act, another 2,150 people in Hawaii will lose 
their benefits. These benefits amount to an average of $415 a week, 
which helps families buy food and keep a roof over their heads until 
they can find a job. And for every $1 they spend, $1.60 is generated in 
economic growth for local businesses.
  We cannot turn our backs on hardworking people by taking away their 
unemployment benefits. The time to act is now.

                          ____________________