11.15.02

Senators Call on House to Pass Unemployment Benefits Extension

Bill provides economic assistance to 80,000 Washingtonians

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today called on the U.S. House to approve bipartisan legislation passed by the U.S. Senate extending federal unemployment benefits through March 31, 2003. Cantwell was joined by Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Peter Fitzgerald (R-IL), Gordon Smith (R-OR), Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Arlen Specter (R-PA).

Extending the federal unemployment benefits, set to expire on December 28, 2002, will provide temporary economic assistance to an estimated 80,000 Washingtonians.

"While most people would rather have a pay check than an unemployment check, the fact of the matter is that this is good economics," Cantwell said. "For us in Washington state, with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, this is a stimulus package."

Senator Cantwell played a leadership role in securing passage of the legislation, which was her top priority for the lame duck session of Congress. It was co-authored by Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Peter Fitzgerald (R-IL), Cantwell, and Arlen Specter (R-PA). The legislation extends to March 31, 2003 the current expiration date of December 28, 2002.

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