Rep. Eric Massa Calls For Senator Jim Bunning To End His Obstructionism

Statement

Today, Rep. Eric Massa condemned Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) for putting a hold on the unemployment benefit extension. On this day, as a result of this hold, unemployment benefits and healthcare through COBRA, ran out for nearly one million Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. If Sen. Bunning's hold continues, it's estimated that 356,197 New York workers and their dependants will lose their benefits between now and June 2010. Additionally, this obstructionism prevents the Federal government from reimbursing States for Federal highway funds and if that isn't addressed immediately, the hold will lead to furloughs for construction workers.

"Let me be very clear, Senator Jim Bunning's obstructionism is the epitome of what's wrong with Washington," said Rep. Eric Massa. "By placing a hold on this extension, Senator Bunning is telling 1 million Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own that he doesn't care. I'm not a member of the Senate, but as long as 356,197 New York workers and their families are at risk over the next three months, I cannot be silent. We can't afford to play politics on this issue and I call on Senator Bunning to immediately halt his attack on American families."

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