WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) today urged U.S. Senate Republicans to end their months-long obstructionist tactics and pass critical jobs creation and unemployment legislation that would propel America’s economic recovery and put New Yorkers back to work.

Recently, Rep. Towns has supported important legislation cleared by the House of Representatives that would create jobs, stimulate the economy, and provide much-needed assistance to thousands of New York families adversely affected by unemployment.  But, a band of Republican senators have continued to block the legislation.

“New Yorkers are currently dealing with high unemployment, diminished public services, and large city and state budget gaps,” said Rep. Towns. “During these difficult times, families struggling to do more with less need some relief; this bill will provide that assistance.”

Despite millions of unemployed Americans, Senate Republicans have blocked legislation that would extend unemployment benefits for New York State, $1 billion for 350,000 youth employment jobs program and $2.5 billion in emergency assistance for needy families working in public and private sector jobs.  This blockade by Senate Republicans has also impeded the funding of $1 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund, which will provide communities like Brooklyn, with funds to build, preserve and rehabilitate rental homes that are affordable for low-income families.

Other provisions being blocked Senate Republicans would:

•    Provide important tax cuts to put money back in the pockets of working families;
•    Help restore the flow of credit to enable small businesses to expand and hire new workers by extending small business loan programs;
•    Expand career training programs for Americans who are looking for work;
•    Extend eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own;
•    Ensure that seniors, military service members and Americans with disabilities continue to have access to doctors they know and trust; and
•     Close tax loopholes for wealthy investment fund managers and foreign operations of multi-national companies.

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