[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 10 (Thursday, January 16, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H1218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

  (Mr. BARBER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, on December 28, 1.3 million Americans lost 
their unemployment insurance because Congress failed to act. These 
families are struggling to put food on the table, to pay their bills, 
to heat their homes; and we have a responsibility to assist them in 
their time of need and as they continue to look for work.
  But instead, Congress will go home today without taking action, and 
this is just outrageous. Every week that Congress ignores its 
responsibilities to our citizens, 72,000 more Americans lose their 
unemployment insurance, crucial assistance which not only supports 
them, but also our economy.
  That is why I call on leadership to keep the House in session and to 
extend unemployment insurance now. We should stay here and do our job, 
for we are representing the people of America and those who we have a 
duty to serve. Let us stay here and make sure that Americans know that 
we have their back, that we are going to take care of them in their 
desperate time of need. I urge the House to stay in session and pass an 
extension to the unemployment insurance program.

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