A Sad Night in America

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Nov 30, 2010, 07:47 ET

Senate Republicans End Federal Unemployment Insurance Benefits

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SEIU President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement regarding Senate Republicans' successful effort to end federal unemployment insurance benefits for two million out-of-work Americans:

"Tonight is a sad night in America. In each and every state in our country, there are hardworking Americans who are out of a job through no fault of their own. They've been counting on federal unemployment insurance benefits to feed their families, pay bills and keep up on their mortgages.

"How can any Member of Congress look their constituents in the eye and deny them the assistance they rely on to keep them from losing their homes or going hungry? Yet, Republicans in the Senate did just that tonight when they blocked the bill from going forward and killed unemployment insurance benefits for two million Americans.

"Right now, there is only one job available for every five unemployed Americans. Until we create more jobs and get America back to work, Congress must do its part to help families in crisis. Congress should immediately pass the bill introduced by Senator Baucus that would prevent the end of the federal unemployment insurance program benefits for these out-of-work citizens."

With 2.2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in North America. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers -- not just corporations and CEOs -- benefit from today's global economy.

www.seiu.org

SOURCE SEIU