Carper Votes to Restore, Extend Unemployment Benefits

WASHINGTON – Today Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) voted to restore and extend federal unemployment benefits to help families and communities during these challenging economic times.  The Continuing Extension Act of 2010 would extend unemployment insurance benefits through November 30, 2010. The legislation also extends these benefits retroactively so that families will receive the benefits that were suspended when these programs expired last month.  The Senate passed the measure by a vote of 59 to 39 and it now goes to President Obama who is expected to sign it into law immediately.

"This extension will help people who want to work but have yet to land a job," said Sen. Carper.  "The respected economist Mark Zandi has said repeatedly that extending unemployment benefits has been the most effective, high ‘bang for our buck’ economic recovery measure undertaken during the past two years.  I couldn’t agree more.  As our economy continues to recover, this extension will provide immediate relief to individuals and families throughout Delaware who continue to search for a job to support themselves and their families.  The families who receive these benefits will put this money right back into our communities as they buy groceries, fill their cars with gas and pay their bills."