Extended Unemployment Benefits by End of May

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Michigan Rep. Sander Levin says long-term federal unemployment benefit bill should be passed by Memorial Day

The House Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Michigan Rep. Sander Levin (D-12th District), released an updated statement regarding the unemployment extension bill, H.R. 4213, American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010.

The bill would extend eligibility to file for extended unemployment benefits until the end of this year. A short-term extension of extended federal unemployment benefits is scheduled to expire in early June.

Both the Senate and the House have passed versions of the bill but have yet to finalize how it will be paid for. No firm dates have been set regarding final action on the bill, although according to this statement from Levin, the House is shooting for action by Memorial Day.

    According to the House Ways and Means Committee release, “Chairman Levin has stated that he will continue working with the Senate to complete work on H.R. 4213 by Memorial Day to ensure the benefits included are available to families and businesses, particularly those benefits directed to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. We are committed to, and working toward, passing a longer-term extension of unemployment benefits as included in H.R. 4213.”

During the summer months, Congress has two recesses, so hopes for passage of the bill rest in what can get done in May and early June.