U.S. House Passes Emergency Extensions For Unemployment, Health Care And Highway Programs

Press Release

Congressman Steve Cohen supported emergency legislation aimed at preserving access to health care and unemployment benefits for hundreds of thousands of 9th District citizens.
Without Congressional action, a number of programs, including unemployment benefits, the COBRA health care subsidy, and small business loan guarantees, would expire this weekend. The bill that Congressman Cohen supported this afternoon extends the life of these programs for an additional 30 days through March 28 -- unemployment benefits are extended through April 5.

"Since Monday, my office has heard from hundreds of anxious constituents who have been deeply concerned that Congress would not act quickly to extend these expiring provisions," Congressman Cohen said. "I am pleased to report that the House has acted quickly to bring some much needed peace of mind and financial relief to individuals, families, seniors, and small business owners as they try to survive the economic downturn. The bill that passed today will continue a number of vital programs to help those in the 9th District who are out of work, permit highway programs to boost employment this spring to move forward, stop cuts in doctors' Medicare payments that will limit health care for our seniors, and provide credit for small businesses to expand and hire new workers."

The U.S. Senate is expected to act on this legislation very soon.

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