Reid, Solis Urge Republicans To Support Extension Of Unemployment Benefits

By Rob Sanna-Talk Radio News

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis held a press conference Wednesday urging Republicans to lift a filibuster on the extension of unemployment insurance.

“Nobody is getting rich on unemployment insurance,” Reid said. “Every day we deny it to those who are out of work, we weaken our nation.”

Reid emphasized that Republicans share the responsibility of helping those who have lost their jobs in the tough economic climate.

“It’s the right thing to do, it’s what’s needed and it’s what the people of this country deserve,” Reid added.

 According to Solis, the lag in the Senate has cost over one million individuals their benefits.

Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), who joined Reid and Solis, were also tough on opponents of the extension. Reed went as far as to say people who argue that the unemployment benefits are a disincentive for people to work, “don’t know what they’re talking about.” Stabenow characterized the decision as very simple: “It is a choice between the wealthy and powerful in this country and the middle class families.”

 Reid told reporters that two unnamed Republicans currently support the extension and that recently deceased Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.V.) would have been the 60^th vote.