The Hill News

“They’re standing in front of a burning house,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) this morning while admonishing Senate Republicans for their campaign to deny unemployment assistance to millions of Americans out of work and suffering through the ongoing recession.

Reid’s metaphor is apt. America’s house is burning and Senate Republicans are keeping the emergency responders from acting. Record unemployment is dragging the economy down. By most accounts, the most efficient way for government to affect economic activity is through the delivery of unemployment assistance that goes to people who immediately spend it, returning it to the economy in quick fashion. Those dollars support small businesses and jobs through the purchase of goods and services. They prevent additional taxpayer strain by helping people keep their homes and their financial commitments while they look for work.

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