Senate Extends Unemployment Insurance for Out-of-Work Americans

Press Release

Senate Extends Unemployment Insurance for Out-of-Work Americans

Today, with the support of United States Senator Ken Salazar, the United States Senate passed the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008 (H.R.6867) by voice vote. The legislation provides an additional seven weeks of unemployment insurance to out-of-work Americans, and permits an additional thirteen weeks of unemployment benefits in states where the unemployment rate is particularly high.

"With hundreds of thousands of workers across Colorado and the country losing their jobs during these challenging economic times, this legislation provides struggling families with the support they need to continue to put food on the table, pay their bills and stay in their homes as they look for another job," said Senator Salazar. "There is, however, more work to be done. In the coming weeks, I intend to work with my colleagues and the incoming Administration to craft additional bipartisan economic stimulus legislation that puts the needs of middle-class families first, creates new, high-quality American jobs, and helps get our economy back on track."

The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 368-28, now goes to President Bush's desk for signature.

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