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January 27, 2012
Effort to Dismantle Unemployment Insurance Revived in Congress as Conference Committee Convenes
Having narrowly averted cutting off unemployment insurance to millions of Americans right before the holidays, Congress now returns to take up what should be a relatively simple task even for this Congress -- a full reauthorization of federal unemployment insurance, the payroll tax reduction and other provisions through 2012. But, as they did in December, some lawmakers are looking to revive House efforts to slash federal benefits, impose harsh new restrictions and move to dismantle the essential lifeline of unemployment insurance. read more »
December 23, 2011
Congress Passes Two-Month Renewal of Unemployment Insurance
House leaders, acceding to mounting public outcry over their apparent willingness to cut off unemployment benefits to millions of unemployed job-seekers during the holiday season, agreed late Thursday to accept a compromise two-month extension. The bill passed the House and Senate early today and was promptly signed by President Obama. Along with continuing current provisions of federal unemployment insurance, the measure extends last year's payroll tax reduction, TANF aid for needy families and medical reimbursement rates for physicians serving Medicare patients. House and Senate leaders in both parties are appointing members to a conference committee, which will be tasked with reaching a year-long extension measure when they return after the holidays. read more »
December 22, 2011
Voices of Unemployed Americans: David (VIDEO)
The House of Representatives continues its obstruction of even a temporary extension of federal unemployment insurance, risking the expiration of the benefit programs for millions of long-term jobless workers December 31st. Watch this 2-minute video, then call your Members of Congress. read more »
December 20, 2011
NELP Calls for Up-or-Down House Vote on Senate Bill to Extend Unemployment Insurance
UPDATE: TUESDAY, DEC. 20 -- The National Employment Law Project (NELP) calls on the House of Representatives to hold a straight up-or-down vote on the Senate bill that extends federal unemployment insurance (UI) programs, along with the payroll tax holiday and “doc fix,” for the next two months. The Senate Leadership negotiated a bi-partisan compromise, with the involvement and blessing of the Speaker of the House. This compromise rebuffed attempts to scapegoat the unemployed and enact dangerous changes to the basic UI program which undermined its very purpose and effectiveness. While a two-month deal is not ideal, time is running out to protect the unemployed from being victims of the worst partisan games Congress has ever seen. read more »
December 19, 2011
NELP Urges House to Pass Senate Bill Extending Unemployment Insurance
The National Employment Law Project issued a statement in advance of a vote expected tonight in the U.S. House of Representatives on a bill that would fully renew federal unemployment insurance for two months, averting an expiration of the program December 31st and allowing more time for Congress to enact a longer-term reauthorization. At Unemployedworkers.org we are urging everyone to call their Members of the House of Representatives toll free at 888-245-3381 and tell House Members to approve the stopgap Senate extension tonight. read more »
December 15, 2011
Voices of Unemployed Americans: Jill (VIDEO)
A bill that would slash Jill's federal unemployment benefits by more than half is now headed to the U.S. Senate after passing the House on a largely party-line vote. Watch this 2-minute video, then call your Senators and Members of Congress. read more »