BK Reader- Exclusive: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries On The Failure Of The House Of Representatives To Pass An Unemployment Extension Bill

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By: C. Zawadi Morris

In this exclusive interview, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8) talks to The Brooklyn Reader about his efforts to address unemployment in Central Brooklyn, Republican obstructionism and why the bill to extend unemployment insurance benefits to nearly 3 million Americans died in the House of Representatives on June 1.

Brooklyn Reader: UPI reported on Monday that the bill to extend long-term unemployment insurance benefits has died quietly in the House of Representatives. Is there a plan by the House Democrats to make a statement about this and/or continue to bring public attention to this issue?

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries: "We believe that a majority exists in the House of Representatives to pass an unemployment compensation benefit extension. But the GOP leadership continues to hold the legislation hostage.

"This is not inconsistent with steps that the House majority has taken to obstruct progress for the American people, as they're also preventing a vote on a minimum wage increase and comprehensive immigration reform.

"House Democrats have put forth a discharge petition that I believe every single Democratic Congress member in the country has signed, which would have forced a vote on the bill sent to us by the Senate. However, in order to get to the 218 number necessary to discharge a bill out of committee and force a vote on the House floor, it would have been necessary for Republican members to sign the petition as well.

"And it is my understanding that not a single Republican in the House joined onto the effort to force the bill out of committee so that unemployed Americans can get the vote they deserve."

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