DelBene Statement on Senate GOP Failure to Extend Unemployment Benefits

Statement

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement after Senate Republicans adjourned without extending unemployment insurance for millions of Americans.

"Over two months ago, the House passed the Heroes Act which would extend the $600 per week federal pandemic unemployment compensation benefit. After hitting "pause' during that time and as Americans are about to be pushed off a financial cliff, what did Senate Republicans do? They went home.

"For the nineteenth week in a row, over a million workers lost their jobs. Families still have to pay rent and buy groceries. They have been left to fend for themselves as the virus continues to spread across the country. This is an absolute abdication of the job the Senate is there to do.

"I received a letter this week from Melissa, a public-school teacher in my district. She and her husband had moved into a new apartment at double their previous rent because they knew they could afford it with both their incomes. Her husband was laid off recently and they are scared that they won't be able to stay in their home if the federal unemployment benefit isn't extended. She is begging Congress to fight for families like hers.

"These are the people Senate Republicans have turned their backs on. This crisis is their making. They chose to abandon those most in need. The Senate needs to come back to the table and reach a deal with the House on the next COVID-19 relief bill immediately. Americans are out of time."

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