Harkin: Continued Republican Obstruction Blocks Support for Out-of-Work Americans

Press Release

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement after a procedural vote failed to achieve the votes necessary to pass a six month extension of unemployment benefits. Harkin chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Earlier today, he spoke on the Senate floor about the urgent need to extend unemployment benefits, citing stories from Iowans impacted by the economic downturn. A copy of his remarks, as prepared for delivery, can be found here.

"A record number of Americans are facing long-term unemployment: some 6.8 million people have been out of work for more than half a year, just by the official numbers alone. That's the highest number of long-term unemployed we've had since we started keeping track in 1948.

"The families of these long-term unemployed are hanging by a thread. Their savings are exhausted, and unemployment benefits are the lifeline that helps them pay the rent and put food on the table. I have heard from Iowans who are struggling with unemployment, and their stories are heartbreaking. These are people trying their hardest, doing everything they can to find work, but the jobs just aren't there.

"While these families suffer, a short-term extension of unemployment insurance is being needlessly -- I would even say cruelly -- obstructed by Senate Republicans.

"Senate Democrats are committed to getting this extension passed and we will not rest until we get this done."

Source