Washington, DC - After nearly one week with a Republican Senator single-handedly blocking a vote on extending unemployment benefits, highway funds and other programs, Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks on the need to get assistance to working families.

“This tough economic climate has had a devastating impact on Michigan’s families and it requires strong, immediate action.  With unemployment remaining at historically high levels, it is imperative that we have a strong social safety net so families can continue to put food on the table and heat their homes, and I have fought tirelessly on behalf of Michigan workers to ensure that this happens.  I share the concerns of the hundreds of constituents who have called my office desperate for an extension in order to pay their rent, keep their heat on, or take their child to the doctor. 
 
“The House of Representatives took swift action in December 2009 when we passed H.R. 2847, the Jobs for Main Street Act, with my support.  This important legislation would extend unemployment benefits and COBRA subsidies until June, in addition to investing $48 billion in infrastructure projects that will create much-needed jobs.  This extension will help the nearly one million workers exhausting their unemployment benefits and the hundreds of thousands of workers who have already begun rolling off the COBRA subsidy program.
 
“The Senate’s failure to act quickly is a slap in the face to the American people. American families are looking for a lifeline, not partisan debate.
 
“I commend those Senators who helped broker an apparent deal and bring this sorry episode to an end.”