Congressman Crowley Denounces Republican Vote to Block Unemployment Insurance Extension

Press Release

Today, Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), one of nine chief deputy whips, issued the following statement in response to House Republicans blocking the passage of H.R. 6419, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Continuation Act. This legislation would have extended Federal unemployment insurance (UI) programs for three months, helping millions of unemployed Americans make ends meet.

"To no surprise, the "party of no' has struck again. Today's move by House Republicans is just plain shameful and irresponsible.
"With the holidays around the corner, this legislation would have provided a much-needed reprieve to approximately two million unemployed Americans whose benefits will run out by the end of the year. It's ironic that the party calling for extending tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans is denying much-needed assistance to those middle class American families who are struggling to make ends meet.
"We will continue to fight hard for American families to help them navigate this tough economy. I urge my Republican colleagues to get their priorities in order and join us in this fight."

Congressman Crowley is the six-term representative from the 7th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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