Reid rips GOP over benefits expiration

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) criticized Republicans Sunday for blocking unemployment benefits, which will expire Monday while Congress is out of session.

Reid issued a statement saying that Republicans making “excuses” for stalling the benefits package and are hurting the unemployed.

{mosads}“Families in Nevada and across America are struggling to make ends meet, and many are relying on unemployment insurance and health benefits as they look to find work,” he said. “It is inexcusable and irresponsible for Republicans to once again block the extension of these benefits.  Their excuses ring hollow to American workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are trying to put food on the table, pay the rent, and take their children to the doctors.”

The Senate Democratic leader’s statement comes after the Senate’s second-ranking Republican, Sen. Jon Kyl (Ariz.) said Sunday that the one-month extension is necessary but that it is not a long term solution.

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) objected to the extension two weeks ago, saying that they should be paid for so they do not add to the budget deficit. But 200,000 people are set to lose their benefits on Monday because Congress failed to act before they broke for recess.

Reid said that he is “committed” to extending the short-term benefits while lawmakers search for a long-term solution.