[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 182 (Wednesday, November 30, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H7941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            FEDERAL EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE SYSTEM

  (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, at a time when so many Rhode Islanders 
and so many Americans are out of work, we need to do everything we can 
to provide assistance to families while individuals continue to look 
for work. The Federal Emergency Unemployment Insurance system is a 
critical part of our safety net that supports families during difficult 
economic times.
  Many constituents have contacted my office explaining the impact on 
their families of not extending unemployment benefits, like Estella 
Londono in the town of North Providence. Estella is a single mother who 
was laid off from work and now relies on unemployment benefits to 
support herself and her son. She's looking for work and is currently 
participating in a job training program to improve her skills and to 
enhance her ability to find a job. Without unemployment benefits, she 
would not be able to support her household and pay her bills.
  If the Emergency Federal Unemployment Compensation program is not 
extended at the end of this year, it will be devastating to Estella and 
to thousands of Rhode Islanders who rely on this program. These 
Americans who have worked hard throughout their lives should not be 
sacrificed on the altar of partisan politics. Congress must stop 
playing Washington-style political games with the fate of these 
families and act now to provide security to unemployed workers and 
their families while they look for jobs.

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