(Washington, D.C.)–In a rebuff of Republicans’ refusal to address this critical issue, Congressmen Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) and James Langevin (D-RI) today signed onto a discharge petition that would enable the House of Representatives to consider legislation to extend the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation (TEUC) program regardless of the House leadership’s position on the matter.  If the House does not pass an extension to the TEUC program before it adjourns next week, the program will expire at the end of the year.

 The Department of Labor has estimated that there are currently about 4.6 million dislocated workers in the U.S.  If a majority of members sign the discharge petition, the House will be compelled to bring H.R. 3244 to the floor.  The bill would extend the federal benefits program for an additional six months, increase the amount of benefits to 26 weeks, include coverage for roughly one million workers who have already exhausted their extended benefits, and expand unemployment insurance coverage for low-wage and part-time workers. 

 “Despite the rhetoric coming out of the White House, millions of workers who have lost their jobs under the Bush Administration’s watch remain unemployed today,” said Kennedy.  “We absolutely cannot turn our backs on these people now.  They have the skills to work, but cannot find the work because of the poor state of our economy.”

 “Tax cuts for the wealthy do nothing to help unemployed Americans who have fallen victim to the Administration's ineffective handling of the nation's poor economy,” said Langevin.  “Providing unemployment compensation to those who have lost their jobs is a critical safety net for millions of Americans who are desperately seeking work. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue, rather an opportunity to do the right thing for those suffering the consequences of the Administration's failed fiscal policies.”

 Last year, a similar situation arose when Republicans chose not to take action on this before adjourning for the year.  That move left millions of unemployed workers worried about their future over the holidays.  Under pressure from Democrats, Congress later moved to extend benefits retroactively upon its return.

 Kennedy and Langevin noted that not only will extending unemployment benefits help unemployed Americans, but it is also an effective way to bring back the economy and create jobs.  Economists have estimated that each $1.00 spent on unemployment benefits results in $1.73 in economic growth.

 If the discharge petition receives 218 signatures, the House of Representatives will consider the measure immediately.  A discharge petition is the main mechanism to force a House vote on legislation that has been bottled up in committee.