NN&V Exclusive
(Congressman Joe Heck) – Nevadans repeatedly say their lives need certainty. They want elected leaders to work together to move beyond partisanship and patchwork agreements.
Last week, I supported, and the House passed, a one-year bill to extend unemployment benefits with a pathway back to work; keep an extra $1,000 in the pockets of Nevada’s struggling families while protecting social security; and maintain access to healthcare for seniors and veterans by keeping doctors in Medicare. The bill was fully paid for in a manner the President approved.
Throughout the process, a one-year extension of these programs was expected. President Obama called it “inexcusable” for Congress not to extend these programs for an entire year. Nevadans expected and need an entire year of certainty. Then, the Senate pulled the rug out from under Nevadans.
Political gamesmanship must be removed from the shared goal of a long-term fix. Congress must work together to finish this work, and a two-month extension doesn’t accomplish that. A two month extension will put us right back here in February – when Washington should be using that time to debate job creating ideas.
This debate is not over extending these critical programs. Rather, it’s between extending them for eight weeks or one year. I agree with the President and the American people, we need a one year extension – anything less will be judged as a failure.
The House is willing to stay and work on this issue until it is resolved, but we can’t resolve this issue ourselves. Nevadans need the Senate to return to Washington work with the House and resolve this issue.
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