Press Releases

Washington, DC--- Today, Congressman Paul Hodes applauded the Senate vote to extend unemployment benefits to residents of New Hampshire and all fifty states. Congressman Hodes had previously introduced legislation in the House to provide residents of all fifty states with extended benefits, regardless of the overall unemployment level in each state. The Senate passed the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act by a vote of 98-0.

"Unemployed Granite Staters are entitled to the same unemployment benefits as every other American family," Congressman Hodes said. "Unemployment knows no boundaries or federal formulas, which is why I am fighting to extend benefits to New Hampshire families. I applaud Senator Shaheen’s leadership and hard work to secure benefits for New Hampshire families that are struggling to make ends meet."

The House passed a previous version of the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act earlier this month that would have extended benefits only for the 27 states with unemployment rates above 8.5 percent. Congressman Hodes opposed the House legislation and introduced his own bill that would extend unemployment benefits for all 50 states.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen successfully amended the Unemployment Compensation Act in the Senate to extend unemployment benefits to residents of all fifty states for 14 weeks, regardless of their unemployment rate. Residents in states with 8.5% unemployment or higher would receive benefits for an additional 6 weeks, for 20 weeks total.

"We must move quickly to pass the final version of this legislation that includes relief for New Hampshire families," added Congressman Hodes.

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