WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009, to extend unemployment benefits for 13 weeks to states with unemployment rates at or above 8.5 percent.  Missouri’s unemployment was 9.5 percent in August 2009.

          “Extending unemployment benefits is one of the most cost-effective ways to stimulate the economy.  The extension helps everyone – parents, children, small business owners – because it boosts family incomes that pay for daily essentials like groceries, child care, and doctors’ visits.

          “I am hopeful the Senate will act quickly on this important economic stimulus bill and send it to the President for his consideration,” said Skelton. 
     
          The U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 3548 by a vote of 331 to 83 on September 22, 2009.  The legislation must now be considered in the U.S. Senate before being sent to the President.  

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Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Rebecca Loving or Whitney Frost at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.