[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1787]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 5-MONTH EXTENSION OF THE TEMPORARY EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION 
                                  ACT

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                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 27, 2003

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, as many Members this morning have 
observed, when Congress failed to act on extending unemployment 
benefits last session, we failed those who needed us the most.
  Now today the Republican leadership offers a package that will help 
some but not all--1 million people who so desperately need help during 
these times of record unemployment.
  Mr. Speaker, in a word the Republican plan is a half loaf. How can 
any of us go back to our constituents with a straight face and tell 
them that during times of record unemployment we are not going to 
extend to 1 million workers--those whose benefits expired on December 
and whose shelves are empty--13 more weeks of unemployment insurance?
  I know I am not looking forward to telling my constituents this news, 
especially in light of the all the news surrounding the President's 
$674 billion stimulus package. Our workers are unemployed but they are 
not uninformed. If we can even consider a bill to spend $674 billion 
this means that the money is available. If it is available to spend to 
stimulate the economy, it can be used to put money in 1 million 
Americans' pockets--food on their tables, shelter over their heads, and 
clothes on their backs. We're not talking a new car here--we're talking 
basic necessities for these families who are undoubtedly hurting.
  Mr. Speaker, the Democrats offered an alternative plan which would 
have reestablished and expanded the Federal unemployment benefits bill. 
In fact it would guarantee all jobless workers at least 26 weeks of 
extended benefits and would expand access to unemployment benefits for 
workers who are low-wage earners or work part-time. I and many in this 
body support this plan. It is more generous and it is the right thing 
to do during these harsh economic times for the 1 million individuals 
caught in the December 28 time trap.
  Mr. Speaker, as we work to provide dignity and security to our 
Nation's borders, and advance our military causes overseas in Iraq and 
North Korea, I think it is equally imperative that we provide dignity 
and security to our most valuable resources--our working men and women.

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