Heinrich Statement On Republicans' Refusal To Restore Emergency Unemployment Insurance

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement today after Senate Republicans refused to advance S.1845, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act, a bill that would extend the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program that expired for nearly 6,000 New Mexican job-seekers on December 28, 2013:

“Republicans refusal to restore emergency unemployment insurance abandons more than one million out-of-work Americans across the country, including nearly 6,000 New Mexicans who are actively looking for a job. If emergency unemployment insurance does not get extended, more than 15,000 additional New Mexican job-seekers could also be denied federal assistance. These benefits are often families’ only economic lifeline to make ends meet during difficult times. New Mexicans expect their government to work for them, not leave them out in the cold.

“It's critical that Congress act immediately to extend these benefits for those who need them most. Failing to act will take a toll not only on New Mexicans looking for work, but will also have negative consequences for the broader economy.”

Senator Heinrich voted to advance the proposal today, which failed a procedural vote of 55 to 45.