Pelosi Statement on Extending Unemployment Benefits to Millions Struggling to Find Work

June 11, 2008

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today after House Republicans defeated legislation that would have aided workers who have lost their jobs as a result of an economy on the brink of recession. The Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act, legislation that would have immediately provided up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits to jobless workers in every state, received a 279 to 144 vote, short of the two-thirds necessary under suspension of the rules. Speaker Pelosi said Democrats would bring back the legislation to the floor under a regular rule.

"Today Congress had an opportunity to take swift action to help millions of our fellow Americans who are struggling to find work in the slowing economy. Last week's increase in the unemployment rate - the highest in 20 years -- demands that Congress act swiftly. The number of long-term unemployed Americans is higher now than when Congress last extended unemployment benefits in 2002.

"A majority of House Republicans instead decided to support President Bush's veto threat against extending unemployment benefits - despite the fact that it will help 3.8 million Americans and stimulate the entire economy.

"Our work is not done and we will bring this bill back to the House floor tomorrow under a regular rule to ensure that this critical legislation arrives at the President's desk as soon as possible."