WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) –U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-Rhode Island) and other House Democrats on Wednesday, June 11, joined faith, labor, civil rights and non-profit leaders for the first in a series of “Witness Wednesdays” to share stories of unemployed Americans who have been cut off of unemployment insurance. In April, Cicilline launched the Faces of the Unemployed project to collect the names, pictures, and stories of unemployed Rhode Islanders and share them with his Republican colleagues to help put a human face on the unemployment crisis and press them to extend unemployment benefits.
Since the expiration of federal unemployment benefits in December, three million Americans have been cut off of a vital lifeline, leaving many struggling to make ends meet and keep food on the table. According to the Department of Labor, 12,000 Rhode Islanders would benefit by renewing this program.
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Keeping Track of Jewish Public Officials
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On June 1, 2014, the U.S. Senate bill to retroactively reinstate emergency unemployment insurance expired. Instead of allowing a vote on the Senate-passed bill, House Speaker John Boehner decided to run out the clock and refused to extend benefits for 3 million Americans. This latest setback comes after the House initially refused to renew emergency unemployment benefits three days after Christmas.
Cicilline shared a story of an unemployed Rhode Islander from the First District at the kickoff event. Following the expiration of unemployment insurance in December 2013, Cicilline introduced legislation to retro-actively extend these benefits and make sure it is paid for by eliminating unnecessary subsidies and closing corporate tax loopholes for companies that ship jobs overseas.
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Preceding provided by Congressman David Cicilline of Rhode Island
It’s time for the people to put an end to the political terrorist who have abandoned the American people. Vote the political terrorist out of office and replace them with leaders who care about the well being of all the people, not just the three percent who have all the wealth.