We are profoundly disappointed and angry with representatives in Congress – Democrats as well as Republicans – who refused to support health care for the unemployed and job-saving critical aid to cash-strapped states in the original version of H.R. 4213, the Promoting American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes and Preventing Outsourcing Act of 2010. 

Earlier this week I described a vote on this bill as a chance to back up rhetoric for jobs with action.  We are in a jobs emergency—a national crisis.  Millions of lives are in ruins and children are being condemned to poverty.  Excuses from their elected representatives are of no help to them.  As I said to members of Congress, if you're not for this bill, you're not for jobs.  Working family voters will not forget who sided with them and who did not.

We recognize how hard Speaker Pelosi worked to pass the bill with its original elements.  The Senate should approve the extension of unemployment insurance passed today by the House as soon as it returns from the Memorial Day recess, and the House should now move quickly to restore health care benefits for the unemployed and aid to states to maintain jobs and vital services.    

Contact: Amaya Tune (202) 637-5018