Today’s bipartisan House vote to extend federal unemployment benefits for six months shows that the Republican leadership has been playing with political dynamite in resisting this simple measure to aid families who are hardest hit by long-term unemployment. It’s now up to President Bush to reverse his opposition and prove that his compassion for working families extends to those who want to work but cannot find jobs. This vote shows that the extension could happen immediately with bipartisan support if the president would give the green light.

The nearly two million workers who will exhaust their benefits over the next six months need a lifeline of support to stay afloat until there’s a true recovery in the jobs market. The Republican argument that the economy is recovering quickly rings hollow for unemployed workers. Behind the hype is the stark reality that the nation remains mired in a deep jobs crisis.

Over the last 50 years, there has never been another time when long-term unemployed workers have been so ignored by the president and the majority party in Congress.

It is unconscionable that the president and Republican leaders are chomping at the bit to make tax cuts permanent for millionaires but refuse to approve a temporary renewal of the emergency unemployment program. Tax breaks for the rich will not pay the mortgage and utility bills for the unemployed. We commend Representative George Miller and others for their efforts to rectify a serious problem.

Contact Suzanne Ffolkes 202-637-5018