[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 175 (Wednesday, December 11, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H7635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 EXTEND UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS

  (Ms. KELLY of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of over 1 
million Americans to urge my colleagues to extend unemployment 
insurance benefits so they can continue to meet their basic needs while 
searching for work.
  Last week, we were encouraged by the labor report that showed the 
economy was adding jobs, the unemployment rate is shrinking, and 
companies are again investing. But there is still work to be done. For 
the 11 million Americans without a job, the economy is still in a state 
of emergency. When a mom in Chicago or a dad in Kankakee loses their 
job, the whole family feels it.
  I have met with many people from Illinois with impressive 
qualifications who are weary from the job search. They want what we all 
want: a good job, a livable wage, and a Congress that will work to 
create new economic opportunities. But until that is achieved, they are 
asking for a hand up, not a handout, in these tough times.
  It is for these Americans I urge my colleagues to extend unemployment 
insurance benefits now, because every citizen deserves support in their 
pursuit of the American Dream.

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