Pelosi Statement on Senate Vote to Break Republican Filibuster of Bill to Extend Unemployment Benefits

WASHINGTON, July 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after the Senate voted to invoke cloture on legislation to extend unemployment benefits to millions of Americans. The Senate is expected to vote on final passage soon. The House has repeatedly passed similar legislation and will vote after the Senate completes action. The bill will then be sent to President Obama for his signature:

"Today, Senate Democrats broke the back of Republican obstructionism to send millions of Americans the unemployment benefits they have earned through a lifetime of work. By extending unemployment benefits, we will help struggling families make ends meet, put money in the pockets of our workers, and invest in one of the most cost-effective ways to stimulate our economy.

"Last week's report by the Economic Policy Institute made clear that not only do unemployment benefits protect those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, they also lead to more jobs, higher wages, and a stronger economy for all Americans. And the independent Congressional Budget Office confirmed that extending unemployment benefits is the most efficient way for the government to generate economic growth, adding $1.90 to the economy for every dollar spent. These investments put money in the hands of Americans who need it most and will spend it, injecting demand into the economy and generating business for local companies.

"The House will not delay in taking up this legislation and getting help to those hardest hit by the Bush recession. However, I am disappointed that this legislation does not include House-passed provisions that would help create millions of good-paying jobs by rebuilding America's infrastructure, cracking down on corporations that ship jobs overseas, and creating job opportunities for America's youth. This legislation will be retroactive, ensuring that those who were hit hardest by Republican obstructionism will receive the benefits they were promised.

"Congressional Republicans spent hundreds of billions of dollars on tax breaks for the wealthiest few — and are now proposing hundreds of billions of dollars more — yet claim we can't afford to offer relief to middle-class Americans. We can't afford not to. While Republicans stand for the special interests, Democrats will continue to work on behalf of the middle class and the people's interest."

SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House

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