Statement on House Adjourning without Extending Inemployment Benefits

Statement

Representative Karen Bass (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the House of Representatives once again adjourning for the weekend without extending unemployment benefits:

"Republicans in Congress once again adjourned this week without addressing one of the most critical issues facing millions of Americans--extending long-term unemployment benefits. It is unprecedented that Congress allowed federal jobless benefits expire while long-term unemployment remains near historically high levels. I remain insistent that Congress stay in session until we come up with a solution to help millions of Americans who continue to be left in limbo while Congress goes home.

"Doing nothing is now costing the American economy; the expiration of federal unemployment insurance has already taken $400 million out of the American economy, including nearly $65 million dollars from the California economy and over $16 million from Los Angeles County's economy.

"California cannot afford Congress to continue to pander at the expense of our economy and those seeking jobs. The American people deserve a vote."

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