My Statement on the Extension of Unemployment Benefits

Since June 2, millions of Americans have lost their unemployment
insurance. That’s because, despite a period of deep unemployment and
economic uncertainty, Senate Republicans have played politics over the
well-being of millions of Americans and, for weeks, blocked
consideration of an unemployment benefits extension bill that would
ensure jobless workers are able to pay their bills and put food on
their tables.

It took the swearing in of a new Democratic Senator from West Virginia
to break the Republicans’ political ploy. On July 20th, with unanimous
Democratic support, the Senate passed a procedural hurdle and overcame
the Republicans’ filibuster, which finally enabled the Senate to pass
an extension of unemployment benefits. When the House considered the
bill on July 21st, I was pleased to support it and provide millions of
Americans with the unemployment insurance they lost almost two months
ago.

There is no justification for recklessly and irresponsibly putting
politics ahead of the well-being of millions of Americans. With
sustained unemployment throughout our country, I’m proud the
Democratic-led Congress overcame the Republican filibuster and came to
the aid of Main Street.