Chairman Cleaver’s Statement on Legislation offered by Ways and Means’ Chairman Dave Camp That Would Strip Unemployment Benefits from Millions of Americans
For Immediate Release: May 10, 2011
Communications Director: Stephanie L. Young o: c:
Chairman Cleaver’s Statement on Legislation offered by Ways and Means’ Chairman, Dave Camp That Would Strip Unemployment Benefits from Millions of Americans
Washington, DC – Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement today regarding legislation offered by Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) that would strip unemployment benefits for millions of displaced workers:
“For the 16th straight month, we have seen growth in private sector jobs—last month being the strongest for job growth since February 2006. Nevertheless, the overall unemployment rate increased by .2% and unemployment in the African American community has increased by .6% to a painful 16.1%. The fact still remains that millions of Americans are still out of work. After four months of controlling the House, the Republican Leadership has not considered or introduced one, single jobs bill. Instead, they have proposed draconian cuts first with their budget proposals. Now the Ways and Means Chairman is attempting to strip unemployment benefits thereby denying millions of Americans the ability to make ends meet with HR 1745, which is paradoxically named the Jobs Act of 2011.
“Camp’s legislation would eliminate federal payments for temporary extended unemployment benefits on July 6. Four million Americans will lose their extended benefits in early July unless states provide coverage for them. The bill would transfer money to the states now dedicated to providing extended unemployment benefits and allow the states to use it for other purposes. This includes paying off debts to the federal government, providing tax cuts to businesses and/or backfilling state and federal cuts to employment –related services.
“Not only is this unacceptable, it is reprehensible. I support my colleagues Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Bobby Scott on HR 589, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 2011. This needed legislation would extend aid for unemployed workers who have exhausted their benefits. We urge the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee to support hardworking American families and to support their bill.”
-Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II
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