DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Celebrates the Senate Passage of the Extension of Unemployment Insurance; Condemns Republican Obstruction of Aid for Middle-Class Americans

WASHINGTON, July 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Senate Democrats voted to extend unemployment insurance for millions of Americans, despite Republican efforts to block this legislation from moving forward, clearing the way for the bill to head to the House and make its way to the President's desk.  Following the vote, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement:

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"Today, Senate Democrats broke through Republican obstruction and won a victory for the middle-class Americans who have been most painfully affected by the economic crisis.  The unemployment insurance extension passed today will ensure that hard-working Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own and who continue to look diligently for work every single day will have the support they need to make it through these difficult times.  While the President and Congressional Democrats continue the work of pulling America out the economic ditch it was left in and help the economy create even more jobs, we need to ensure that Americans hardest hit by the recession are able to make ends meet.

"Unfortunately, the obstruction by Republicans of legislation extending unemployment insurance for the Americans who need it most has compounded the suffering of millions of individuals and families.  During the time that Republicans blocked at least three separate efforts to help their fellow Americans, 2.5 million Americans lost their unemployment benefits.  While this hardship occurred, Republicans were simultaneously calling for the extension of tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans.  It's clear that Republicans in Washington don't represent the interests of working Americans and middle class families.   That is why it is so important that this fall we elect and reelect Democrats who will."

SOURCE Democratic National Committee