I am pleased that Congress is finally extending unemployment benefits to the 800,000 Americans and 2,800 Rhode Islanders whose federal benefits were cut off on December 28, 2002.  However, I would be remiss if I did not remind the House Republican Leadership that even with passage of this legislation, Congress would still leave out over 1 million workers nationwide, including thousands of Rhode Islanders, who have already exhausted their benefits and are still unable to find a job.   

Many Rhode Islanders, and Americans across the nation, are still struggling to find employment.  The national unemployment rate reached 6 percent in November last year, its highest point in eight years, and Rhode Island's unemployment rate currently stands above 5 percent.  Congress must provide all unemployed workers the resources they need to put food on the table and pay the bills while they weather this economic downturn.    

While I intend to support the underlying legislation, I would point out that passage of this bill, as important as it is, will leave too many people without any means of support, and I would strongly urge my colleagues to turn their attention to the unemployed workers who have already exhausted their extended benefits.  In addition, I am very disappointed that the Republican Leadership has denied our colleagues the opportunity to debate and vote on a Democratic alternative, which would provide 26 weeks of additional benefits to struggling workers.  We must not turn our backs on those who are most vulnerable during these trying times.  

Thank you.