Rep. Levin Statement on Temporary FEMA Funding as Jobless Claims Jump Back Up Over One Million

WARREN, Michigan, Aug. 22 -- Rep. Andy Levin, D-Michigan, issued the following statement on Aug. 21:

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Today, Congressman Andy Levin (MI-09) released this statement following news that the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency's application for funding that would provide an additional $300 per week payment to Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits for three weeks.

"I'm sure many Michiganders are relieved that their Governor took action to provide their $600 unemployment insurance payment for three weeks. That's time to buy groceries, school supplies and perhaps catch up on bills. It's not enough to cover a full month's rent. It's certainly not enough to feel anything more than a temporary sense of relief before the economic anxiety sets in once more.

"U.S. jobless claims have once again risen above one million. Instead of bringing parties together to reach a comprehensive deal for the American people, the President has done nothing since announcing from his luxury golf club that he was slashing American families' unemployment benefits in half, leaving states to once again scramble to make up the difference with piecemeal solutions. This is money that won't flow through the economy in a time of desperation for many business owners.

"Our constituents sent us to Washington to do a job: to craft legislation on behalf of the American people. At no time is this sacred duty more important than during a crisis. For years, but most egregiously over the course of the last months with a pandemic taking lives and livelihoods, Senate Republicans and the White House have failed to do the work they pledged to undertake on behalf of the people we all represent. This obstruction must stop."