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The White House
For Immediate Release

WHITE HOUSE VIDEO MESSAGE: Congress must act to extend unemployment insurance

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

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EMBARGOED UNTIL 6:00 AM ET, SATURDAY, December 21, 2013

 WHITE HOUSE VIDEO MESSAGE: Congress must act to extend unemployment insurance

Washington, DC — In this week’s message, Secretary of Labor Tom Perez discussed the importance of extending unemployment insurance for a million Americans, including many Latinos, who may lose a vital source of income only a few days after Christmas.

The audio of the address and video of the message is available online HERE.

Remarks by Secretary of Labor Tom Perez

Spanish Weekly Address

The White House

December 21, 2013

Hi, everybody.

This week, Congress finished up some important work before heading home for the holidays.

For the first time in years, both parties came together and passed a Budget. It clears the path for critical investments in the things that grow our economy and strengthen our middle class. And it will keep reducing our deficits.

There are signs of hope that we put an end to the cycle of short-sighted, crisis-driven decision-making and actually work together to get things done.

And that’s important. Because there’s plenty of work to do.

Right now, because Congress failed to act before leaving on vacation, more than one million Americans, including many Latinos, may lose a vital source of income only a few days after Christmas. 

Instead of punishing these families when they need it the least, Congress should first restore that lifeline immediately, then put their entire focus on creating more good jobs that pay good wages. It is critical not to take unemployment insurance away from hard-working Latinos.

That’s what the President and the Administration will be focused on next year. Growing the economy. Expanding opportunity. Building an America that offers everyone who works hard the chance to get ahead, and every child a fair shot at success. And for the passage of immigration reform.

Thank you. Have a great weekend and a very Merry Christmas.

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