[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 10]
[House]
[Page 13393]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              PASS THE EXTENSION OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

  (Ms. TSONGAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, 2.5 million Americans have lost their 
unemployment benefits--more than 33,000 of them in my home State of 
Massachusetts. I have heard from many of these struggling families.
  From Chelmsford: ``My UI benefits have just run out. A UI check is 
food and other necessities while I draw down savings to keep my 
house.''
  From Lowell: ``I have always had a very good job. I work hard, pay 
taxes, and I certainly have not been living in excess. Last July, my 
company had to cut staff, and my entire team was let go. I have never 
had a problem finding a job, but this search has been extremely 
difficult. Unemployment benefits helped me to stay on track with life's 
basic necessities, such as food, gas and insurance. Losing them has 
caused desperate action on my part.''
  From Westford: ``Please extend unemployment benefits for all 
Americans. I know many solid citizens who are actively and vigorously 
job hunting to no avail, including my wife. Help.''
  I urge my Senate colleagues to pass this desperately needed 
extension.

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