Sen. Jack Reed: Extending Unemployment Will Save 200,000 Jobs

REED: "Well first of all, our extension is just for three months, so that the Finance Committee, the Committee of Jurisdiction, can look at the appropriate way to pay for it if necessary. Most times we have passed emergency unemployment extension bills without paying for it. We’ve done it a number of times since 2008. But the best way to do that is not on the floor, various ad hoc proposals; it's the work of the committee. Our bill, Senator Heller’s bill and my bill, gives the time to do that and at the same time allows 1.3 million Americans who have been thrown off -- literally thrown off the cliff to begin to get some support, continue to get some support. And if we don't act, the 1.3 million will grow by about 3 million more people this year. So this is something we can do while we look at the longer-term aspects of the program.”