May 11, 2004

Smith Votes to Extend Unemployment Benefits

Amendment to JOBS Act Fails by One Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) again voted to pass an emergency extension of Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation (TEUC) program to provide benefits to out-of-work Oregonians. The amendment was nearly identical to Smith's Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (S. 1839), introduced in November 2003. The provision, which required sixty votes to waive a procedural motion, failed 59-40.

"While there are some positive signs of improvement, Oregon's economy continues to struggle and too many people are out of work," said Smith. "While people look for jobs, we need to help them provide their families with their most basic needs."

Today's legislation, offered as an amendment to the Jumpstart Our Business Strength Act (S. 1637) would have reinstated the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation for 11 months from January 2004 to November 30, 2004 and mandate benefits be paid until February 28, 2005. The extension would have applied retroactively, allowing Oregonians who lost their jobs since January to receive benefits. In addition, the legislation would have changed the formula used to determine emergency unemployment benefits so that Oregonians could continue receiving compensation designated for states with high unemployment rates.

Smith has been a constant advocate of extending federal jobless benefits. He introduced the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (S. 1839) in November 2003 and attempted to bring it to a vote on the Senate floor twice. In October of 2001, Smith introduced the Temporary Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 2001, which was signed into law in February 2002. In addition, Smith introduced unemployment extension legislation in September 2002, January 2003, and April 2003.

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