[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 286]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        EXPIRATION OF THE FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM

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                            HON. ALBIO SIRES

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 8, 2014

  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my serious concern 
about the expiration of the federal unemployment insurance program for 
more than 1.3 million Americans, including more than 90,000 hard 
working people in New Jersey. At a time when so many Americans are 
still struggling to recover from one of the greatest periods of 
economic downturn in our nation's history, it is unconscionable to me 
that Congress would fail to stand behind those who need our support the 
most right now.
  The emergency federal unemployment insurance program was signed by 
President George W. Bush and took effect in 2008. Despite clear 
economic progress since then, more than four million Americans have 
been out of work for six months or longer. These are hard working 
Americans who are now struggling to pay their bills and feed their 
families.
  Yesterday, our colleagues in the Senate took an important first step 
toward extending the unemployment insurance program for an additional 
three months. I urge our leadership in the House to allow a similar 
vote so that the federal government can again provide vital relief for 
people who worked hard, played by the rules, but at no fault of their 
own have lost their jobs.
  I understand the need to bring our budget under control, but let us 
not do it on the backs of hardworking Americans. Let us not create even 
more uncertainty in their lives. Ending this lifeline for America's 
working families will not grow the economy and it will not balance our 
budget. Mr. Speaker, I call on you to bring an extension up for a vote 
today.

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