Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) helped pass emergency legislation to assist millions of Americans and thousands of Texans with financial assistance during these tough economic times. The Unemployment Compensation Act will help 2.5 million American families with unemployment benefits through November 30, 2010 and will retroactively restore benefits to families who have been waiting for the extension since late May.

"Today we moved this bill through the House to provide immediate relief to millions of Americans and thousands of Texas families who rely on this assistance in these tough economic times," said Congressman Cuellar. "This assistance will go to many of our neighbors throughout Texas who struggle to find employment as our economy recovers. It is vitally important to help these families."

According to the Department of Labor, over 151,000 Texans will benefit from the emergency extension passed in the House today. Millions of Americans stopped receiving jobless benefits seven weeks ago after the Senate failed to pass a House-passed bill to extend the unemployment aid. On Wednesday, the Senate passed the unemployment bill and today’s House passage sends the bill to the President who will sign it into law.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that for every dollar extended in jobless benefits, $1.90 is generated in economic activity. Federal unemployment benefits, which last up to 73 weeks, start after state-funded benefits expire.

"These are still trying times for thousands of Texans," said Congressman Cuellar. "As we see signs of economic progress, we can’t leave behind those hurting families who still seek employment in this tough job market. These jobless benefits help these families and in turn help stimulate our economic recovery."

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.