For Release: Friday, December 27, 2002
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO CALLS ON REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP TO ACT ON UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Washington -- As 800,000 Americans prepare to lose their unemployment insurance tomorrow, U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today called on House Republicans to make extending these benefits the first order of business when the 108th Congress convenes on January 7th. The House Republican leadership refused to consider a Senate bill that would have extended benefits for an additional 13 weeks before the House adjourned in November.

Costello said, "I hope the Republicans will follow the lead of Democrats and offer a comprehensive plan to extend unemployment insurance for all those that have lost, and stand to lose, their benefits."

Costello noted that there is currently $24 billion in the Federal Unemployment Trust Fund, which workers and employers pay into, just as they would pay for an insurance premium. The prolonged economic downturn has meant that many working people were laid off and were unable to find work before their benefits expired.

Costello joined 112 House Democrats in asking the House leadership to consider the Senate legislation in November. He has also cosponsored legislation to extend benefits for 26 additional weeks. President Bush recently announced he would support a retroactive extension of benefits for those losing them tomorrow.

"I am glad that President Bush, however reluctantly, has endorsed the concept of extending unemployment insurance," stated Costello. "He should join House Democrats in offering legislation to extend benefits to all those who have lost them, and he should urge House Republicans to make this their first order of business when Congress returns."

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