Durbin: GOP Says We Should Create Jobs, ‘What About Creating Food in Bellies of Children?’

“There was a time when Republican presidents thought unemployment compensation was a pretty good idea. Why? Because families or the breadwinners who are out of work need to feed their children, need to feed themselves. Senator McConnell criticizes this program as a temporary government handout. Let me tell you, if you don't have food on the table, you need a temporary helping hand so you can put food on the table so you're strong enough tomorrow to go out and look for jobs again. That’s what it's all about, and they don't get it. They say we should be talking about creating jobs. What about creating some food in the bellies of children? What about paying the utility bill, or the rent, or keeping the lights on, or keeping the place that you live warm enough while you're out looking for a job? That is part of the reality facing people across America. 81,867 individuals in my home state of Illinois lost their benefits between Christmas and New Year's."