Horsford Commends Senate for Opening Debate on Unemployment Insurance Bill

Statement

Today, Representative Steven Horsford (NV-4) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted 65-24 to begin debate on a bipartisan bill to extend unemployment insurance benefits for millions of Americans:

"I commend my colleagues in the Senate, especially Senate Majority Leader Reid and Senator Dean Heller, for their leadership in moving forward legislation on a critical economic lifeline for more than two million Americans, including 26,000 Nevadans. The 5-month extension will provide some semblance of security to 34,100 Nevadans covered by the legislation.

"For months I've heard from constituents who lost their jobs at no fault of their own, like Chris and Monty. They have struggled to get by after being cut off from unemployment insurance. These benefits helped them pay their rent, feed their families, and put gas in the car to search for work.

"When my office met with Monty, he mentioned that he had to wait 6 weeks to get Medicaid approval for some much needed dental work. We were able to get the approval he needed within 72 hours. Monty is looking for work, and while we helped him through direct constituent services, Congress needs to act to give him the financial lifeline he deserves.

"Speaker Boehner should meet with Chris or Monty while he is in Nevada for a fundraiser. I suggest he take the time to explain to unemployed Nevadans why he continues to ignore them.

"Once the Senate has passed this legislation, the House of Representatives must act. There is no time to waste, and callous inaction is unacceptable. I urge my Republican colleagues to listen to their constituents and do the right thing by allowing us to vote to extend unemployment insurance. Every week we wait, another 72,000 Americans and 842 Nevadans will be cut off and left wondering how they will keep a roof over their head and pay their bills. The time for delay is over; the time to act is now."

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