FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Isakson Co-Sponsors Amendment to Extend Unemployment Benefits Without Increasing National Debt
Democrats Block Measure Through Procedural Vote

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today criticized Senate Democrats for refusing to allow an up-or-down vote on an amendment to extend unemployment benefits through Nov. 30, 2010, by paying for the cost with unused stimulus funds. Isakson was a co-sponsor of the amendment to extend the benefits without increasing the national debt.

"I support extending unemployment benefits at this difficult time, but the $34 billion cost must be offset," Isakson said. "Our national debt has now surpassed $13 trillion. Spending taxpayer dollars at this alarming and unsustainable rate is stifling our economic recovery and job creation."

The Senate rejected a procedural motion that would have allowed an up-or-down vote on the actual amendment by a vote of 42-56. The procedural motion required 67 votes to pass.

Isakson has voted several times in the past year to extend unemployment benefits.

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