(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) released the following statement today regarding unemployment benefits.

“I’m disappointed Congress chose to go on vacation instead of extending unemployment benefits for some Americans.  Congress had several opportunities to extend these benefits in a fiscally-responsible manner before our Easter break but rejected all of them.  It’s time for Congress to do what’s right for both the unemployed and future generations and do the hard work of paying for important priorities,” Dr. Coburn said.

Additional background on unemployment debate:

CLAIM: Senator Coburn is single-handedly blocking the unemployment extension.

FACT: Instead of holding a cloture vote on Saturday, March 27 to advance the bill, Senator Reid chose to attend an event with the NRA. Dr. Coburn isn’t responsible for the majority’s decision not to come to work. (Note congressional record)

FACT: Dr. Coburn and every Senate Republican voted to stay in session and work through this issue.  Forty-nine Senate Democrats voted to go on vacation while four voted to stay.

FACT: Senate Democrats voted AGAINST extending unemployment benefits twice last week (votes here and here).

FACT: House Democrats rejected an agreement reached in the Senate that would have extended these benefits with an offset for one week. Read the rest of this entry »

Washington, DC— Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement today as unemployment insurance and health benefits are set to expire for hundreds of thousands of Americans tomorrow morning.  Republicans blocked extension of these critical benefits again last month:

“Families in Nevada and across America are struggling to make ends meet, and many are relying on unemployment insurance and health benefits as they look to find work.   It is inexcusable and irresponsible for Republicans to once again block the extension of these benefits.  Their excuses ring hollow to American workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are trying to put food on the table, pay the rent, and take their children to the doctors.

“I am focused on passing our jobs agenda to put America back to work and support unemployed workers while they look for new jobs. I remain committed to extending these benefits short-term while we work toward a long-term solution.”

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