July 21, 2010

Washington, DC—Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement this evening after Senate Democrats led final passage of an extension of unemployment benefits for millions of Americans:

"Nevada families struggling to make ends meet have endured more than their share: after losing their jobs through no fault of their own, they were forced to wait weeks for an important safety net that was supposed to be there.  With tonight's vote, Senate Democrats have outlasted Republicans' delays and will extend this emergency assistance for millions around the country who are depending on it to afford basic necessities.

"This is welcome news for many families in Nevada and across the nation.  But it should have never taken so long to get the support they deserve.  I am terribly disappointed that, with the exception of my two colleagues from Maine, Republicans dragged this process out for weeks and weeks.  They repeatedly refused to extend this emergency assistance and then, after they lost the debate and the checks were written, they decided to keep us from putting them in the mail.

"We have much more work ahead to strengthen our economy and support middle-class families.  I will keep fighting until every worker in Nevada and across America who wants a job has one."

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