Washington, D.C. — Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) voted yesterday to support extending unemployment benefits to millions of Americans after benefits were stalled for weeks in a U.S. Senate stalemate.
The legislation, which passed the House of Representatives 272-152, brings needed relief to millions of American families. Weeks of partisanship in the Senate blocked this legislation that extends vital unemployment insurance until today.
“These benefits help folks looking for work pay their bills, put fuel in the car, and ensure that families don’t suffer when there aren’t enough jobs to go around,” said Etheridge. “Unemployment benefits help the entire economy and put hard hit families one day closer to finding employment again.”
The bill retroactively restores several forms of assistance to working families that began to phase out at the end of May. Many Americans are still suffering from an economic crisis they did nothing to create. Due to the Republican filibusters, nearly 2.5 million out-of-work Americans lost their federal unemployment insurance over the past two months. This has had significant impact on an economy that is just beginning to recover from recession. Last week, the Economic Policy Institute released a report finding that unemployment benefits lead to more jobs, higher wages, and a stronger economy for all Americans, in addition to their direct impact protecting those who are actively looking for work but having difficulty finding it.
Rep. Etheridge has received dozens of letters from North Carolinians throughout the Second District imploring Congress to assist families and individuals in need as they continue their search for employment.
“People like Scott in Raleigh, NC, Anne in Cameron, NC, and Russ in Garner, NC tell a story of proud North Carolinians who are hurting and just want to support their families and themselves as our economy recovers,” Etheridge said. “I have faith in North Carolinians who are looking for a job. They aren’t looking for a hand out they’re looking for a job, and these benefits provide a lifeline until they do.”