Fourteen Senate Democrats Tuesday called on their Republican colleagues to stop blocking an extension of unemployment insurance benefits.
Estimating that nearly 2 million people will lose their benefits by the end of the year if the benefits are not extended, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., said the matter was urgent.
"Slow-walking these benefits doesn't just hurt individuals and families; it is bad for businesses and the broader economy," Reed said. "Helping people stay afloat is not a partisan issue -- It is an urgent national issue that demands action now."
He added, "We can stand together now, pass this vital piece of legislation, and provide families with the means to stay in their homes and pay the bills as they look for work in these extraordinarily turbulent times. Or, Republicans can continue to prevent thousands of their own constituents from getting desperately needed assistance."
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that for each dollar spent on unemployment insurance it generates $1.65 in new economic demand. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., picked up on that argument in urging GOP senators to waive their objections to the extension bill now before the Senate.
"The unemployment extension bill before the Senate is a great bill - one that will stimulate the economy and help unemployed workers across the country struggling to get back on their feet," Shaheen said. "Helping people who are about to lose a lifeline is the essence of what we do as public servants - that is why this delay is so disappointing."
She added, "I ask those members who are holding up this urgent legislation for political purposes to do the right thing and pass this extension immediately."
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., a member of the Democratic Senate leadership also noted the economic benefits to the broader economy.
"Unemployment benefits are the quickest, most effective form of economic stimulus because the dollars can get out the door fast and will be spent quickly at a time when we need the boost to consumer demand," Schumer said.
Iowa Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin also sought to emphasize that the payments are insurance, not a government handout.
"Workers have paid into the system through their hard work, so when they are out of a job they deserve support to see them through tough times," he said. "These benefits are fundamental to helping families meet basic necessities - to provide a roof over their heads, to put food on the table, or to keep the heat on."
He added, "I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and pass it without delay."
Sen. Robert Casey, D-Penn., noted that unemployment benefits have been extended in a bipartisan and uncontroversial way several times already this year.
"After previous bipartisan extensions under this Administration, and the last, the current obstruction is unconscionable and callous," he said. "Americans who have exhausted their benefits can't take an IOU to the grocery store or their mortgage lender while this extension is held up."
Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., also attacked Senate Republicans who are blocking the measure from moving forward.
"This unexpected battle over unemployment insurance is putting on display the irresponsible lengths to which our Republican colleagues are willing to go in their strategy of 'No,'" Menendez said. "They said no to a job-creating economic recovery package, no to health insurance reform, and now no to a safety net for Americans who can't find a job in the most severe economic downturn in generations."
He added, "If we want to do what is right morally, and if we want to keep our economy afloat while the job creation engine gets back up to full speed, then we can't cut out unemployment insurance when many families need it the most."
The senators were also joined by Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., whose home state has been hit hard by the downturn, Benjamin Cardin, D-Md., Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, who called the delay "is a slap in the face to millions of American families," Jim Webb, D-Va., Al Franken, D-Minn., and the interim Senators Ted Kaufman, D-Del., who was appointed to replace Vice President Joe Biden, and Paul Kirk, D-Mass., who was appointed to replace the late Sen. Ted Kennedy until a special election can be held.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.