Unemployment Benefits

Floor Speech

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, by continuing to deny the extension of unemployment benefits, Republicans are perpetuating their heartlessness on the backs of the working people of this country. Last week in Hilo, I met a group of contractors who shared with me not only their struggles in today's difficult economy, but that of people they know who have lost their jobs. These hardworking people can't find jobs not for a lack of effort but for a lack of jobs.

Before the July 4 recess, the House passed a bill that would extend unemployment benefits through the end of November. This extension would save 6,000 residents in Hawaii from losing their benefits. Every month that Congress fails to act, another 2,150 people in Hawaii will lose their benefits. These benefits amount to an average of $415 a week, which helps families buy food and keep a roof over their heads until they can find a job. And for every $1 they spend, $1.60 is generated in economic growth for local businesses.

We cannot turn our backs on hardworking people by taking away their unemployment benefits. The time to act is now.

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