From the Director of the National Economic Council, Gene Sperling:
As the President has repeatedly made clear, it defies economic sense, precedent and our values to allow 1.3 million Americans fighting to find jobs to see their unemployment insurance abruptly cut off — especially in the middle of the holiday season. These are our neighbors, our community members and often fellow parents who depend on this as a temporary lifeline while they are actively looking for new jobs to support their families and make ends meet. Never before have we abruptly cut off emergency unemployment insurance when we faced this level of long-term unemployment and it would be a blow to these families and our economy.
While we remain disappointed that Congress did not heed the President’s call to extend emergency unemployment benefits for next year before the holidays, the President as well as the Democratic Congressional leadership have made clear the importance of extending the benefits immediately upon Congress’s return. Senator Jack Reed and Senator Heller have put forward bipartisan legislation to extend emergency unemployment insurance for three months which would prevent these 1.3 million workers and their families from losing benefits while giving more time for consideration of further extension through 2014, and Leader Reid will bring it to a vote as soon as they return. The President strongly encourages both the Democratic and Republican Congressional leadership and their members to support this bipartisan solution and to pass the Reed-Heller bill.
15 thoughts on “Director of National Economic Council blasts Congress for not renewing long-term unemployment benefits”
Can’t find a job? Move…it just could be the smartest thing you ever did!
In the past when unemployment benefits ran out many found a reason to return to work. It will be interesting to see just how many drop off “unemployment” rolls when the freebies cease. Of course when they do Obama will try to take credit for an “improving” economy.
@4ever49-it sure is funny how some of these people (who are probably pot heads) think they know everything. Employees do NOT pay for unemployment insurance any more than they pay for workmans comp insurance. It is all paid for by the EMPLOYER and that is why they can deny payments to deadbeats who would rather smoke pot and tell lies than work.
LVS says you deadbeats have had enough free money! The INSURANCE you paid for unemployment is no longer valid because LVS doesn’t think you deserve anymore. He’s grew up in a time when American jobs were plentiful and paid well so he can’t imagine that things have changed. Now get off your butts and back to work and don’t even think about welfare.
You piece of crap-Don’t you dare put words in my mouth. I never said anything like that . You are just a drug befuddled liar. I have said many, many times that I think we should take care of people who really need the help. You are a excellent reason for abortion you lying piece of crap.
Iowa Sucks – are you really in Iowa?
LVS is right, the unemployment insurance is paid for by the employer.
Your last sentence parallels my sentiments.
I think you all are missing the point. If the economy is in such great recovery as the stock market and Obama claim and their cutting back on the billions they are spending monthly on junk bonds . Hey get off your ass and get back to work ya lazy ass bums!!! And to make it clear as one who knows right said above, gw bush started it for short term but Obama ended up giving away the gift for two years worth, Dam that’s a good paid vacation with average $300 per week, why go back to work??? Remember average. Some make lots more per week!!!
Point of clarification. The original legislation creating Emergency Unemployment benefits was Republican authored under GW when the economy first tanked.
Yes it was and it was supposed to be short term. Not a lifetime entitlement. These people need help but giving them charity for the rest of their life will not do it. What they really need is JOBS that will give them back their self confidence.
I am with you LVS. It should be short term support until a long term good paying job comes along and that is the deal breaker. Ive been looking for 4 months but cant make it work on 8 bucks an hour with a college degree that Im still paying student loans on. Sucks to be me!
@fact-If you have been looking for four months you should still be eligible for state unemployment so, you do not even enter into this as yet. It sound like you might be young enough to change careers if the college degree you spent money on isn’t working. There are lots of jobs in Iowa and even in the North Iowa area. Look on the Iowa Job Service Web Site. A lot of them start at $13 p/hour and above. Good luck with your job search.
You just have to ask why Osama signed the bill and the democrats voted for it if it is all the Republicans fault. Personally, I think there are a lot of areas we could save the money other than on the backs of unemployed or veterans.
I understand why the bill was passed and signed. What I don’t understand is the continuing attack on the poor and working poor. corporate welfare, corporate farmers, and the military. Cuts there save 100’s of billions and pays for the cuts in SNAP and the extension of unemployment benefits.
@DR Dunn-I have to agree with you on this one. It just seems like there are lots of places we could cut for money. Foreign Aid would be a great place to start. Most of those country’s hate us anyway so why should we subsidize them with tax money that could go to help our own people.
At the tune of BILLIONS of $$$$ annually.