Extension of Payroll Tax Cut and Unemployment Insurance Top Priorities for Rep. Levin

Extension of Payroll Tax Cut and Unemployment Insurance Top Priorities for Rep. Levin

After a protracted and acrimonious debate, on December 23, Congress agreed to a two-month extension of a payroll tax cut that benefits 160 million American workers, as well as an additional 2 months of extended unemployment benefits for Americans who have lost their jobs.  These temporary extensions expire on February 29.  

Rep. Levin has been appointed to the Conference Committee tasked with negotiating a year-long extension of the payroll tax cut and federal unemployment insurance.  Rep. Levin and other Democrats on the Conference Committee recently co-signed a letter urging immediate action on legislation to extend the payroll tax cut as well as jobless benefits.

Rep. Levin Meets with Workers Looking for Jobs

On January 13, Rep. Levin met with a group of 10 unemployed workers at the Roseville Works Service Center, who shared their personal stories about how hard they work searching for employment each and every day and how the unemployment benefits have been a lifeline during this very difficult time in their lives.  

One woman told him “It’s so frustrating.  I’m not afraid of the technology.  I have a lot to give, a lot to offer....  I just want a job where I can contribute, and be a productive member of society.  That’s how I was raised.”  Rep. Levin intends to share the stories of these constituents with his colleagues in Washington, D.C., to highlight the vital importance of extending benefits for individuals and their families.

Levin Backs Bill to End Congressional Insider Trading

Last November, CBS’ “60 Minutes” broadcast a story that raised serious question about how some Members of Congress may have used their access to nonpublic information for personal gain.  To correct this problem once and for all, more than 200 House lawmakers, including Rep. Levin, have cosponsored the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act [H.R. 1148].  This bill would prohibit Members of Congress and their employees from profiting from nonpublic information they obtain via their official positions, and require greater more timely disclosure of financial transactions.

House to Consider Resolution to Default on U.S. Debt

Last summer, congressional brinksmanship over extending the legal borrowing authority of the United States government took the U.S. to the brink of default.  Economists warned that a refusal to pay our bills would cause catastrophic damage to our economic recovery and jobs.  This week, the House of Representatives will vote on a new resolution [H.J.Res. 98] that would block the President from raising the debt limit using authority that Congress itself voted to give him just 6 months ago, resulting in default.  If the House approves this resolution, it would also have to be approved by the U.S. Senate.