Congresswoman Laura Richardson Urges Swift Action by Senate to Pass Emergency Unemployment Insurance Extension

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Laura Richardson urged Republican Senators to stand up for the dignity of America's unemployed and end their party's blockage of important legislation that would reinstate vital Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits to millions of out of work Americans.

"Daily, thousands of people here in the 37th District face the bitter realities that come with the loss of a jobs, such as struggling to stay in their homes, pay their bills and feed their families," Congresswoman Richardson said. "With each passing day, our unemployed friends and neighbors situations are made even worse because of the actions of Senate Republicans, which is preventing them from receiving the aid they need to provide for their families as our economy recovers. This is a major concern to the families of the 37th District, where unemployment is higher than both the California state and national average, at 20.4 percent in Compton, 12.2 percent in Carson, 13.3 percent in Long Beach and 9.7 percent in Signal Hill."

The legislation being blocked by Senate Republicans would extend unemployment benefits for 260,000 Californians, including 160,000 who have already exhausted their benefits and 100,000 more who have just received their last unemployment payment.

"In addition to supporting these families who have lost their income through no fault of their own, this unemployment extension will also provide a boost to the businesses and economies of the neighborhoods where they live," Congresswoman Richardson added. "Since June 1, when the extended Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits expired, Republicans have been stonewalling. It has to stop now. Too many lives are at stake and the cost to our nation is far too great."

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