[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 701]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   EXTENSION OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

  Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, I think we have a basic obligation to 
provide relief to Americans who have lost their jobs. This is one of 
the most fundamental responsibilities of this Congress. The extension 
of unemployment benefits today for an additional 13 weeks is a way of 
carrying out that obligation.
  We are all aware of the increase in the number of Americans who have 
lost their jobs as a result of this recession. Every one of our States 
is feeling it. Michigan alone has over 300,000 workers who have lost 
their jobs, and that number, as the numbers in many of our States, is 
likely to continue to rise in the coming months.
  I am terribly disappointed we could not agree on a economic stimulus 
package, but that is no excuse for failing to address the plight of 
Americans who have lost their jobs. Extending unemployment benefits is 
not just about doing what is right and doing what is equitable and 
doing what is fair; it is elementary economics. It is common sense. 
Providing additional unemployment benefits is a very good economic 
stimulus.
  The Department of Labor has found that for every dollar invested in 
unemployment insurance, we generate $2.15 for our gross domestic 
product. So putting money into the hands of people who need it, we are 
also putting money into the hands of people who are going to spend it. 
That helps our economy. That helps create jobs.
  I congratulate Senator Daschle for offering this legislation today, 
and I hope now that the House will promptly pass it.
  I thank my friend from Utah.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Utah.

                          ____________________