Skip to main content

Congressman Gonzalez Joins Over 100 Members of Congress Urging Trump Administration to Extend Unemployment Benefits

July 14, 2020

Unemployment Benefits scheduled to expire at end of July if Trump does not take action

WASHINGTON - Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging his administration to extend federal unemployment insurance benefits, which are set to run out at the end of July without action by the White House and U.S. Senate.

The CARES Act extended unemployment insurance by providing an additional $600 weekly federal unemployment benefit for those who lost their job due to the coronavirus pandemic. While the House acted to subsequently pass The Heroes Act that extended unemployment insurance through January 31, 2021, the U.S. Senate has failed to act.

The letter, signed by 110 Members of Congress, says in part:

"It is essential that we extend federal pandemic unemployment compensation before it ends at the end of July. Cutting off enhanced unemployment benefits while the economy is still in crisis would ignore the millions of Americans who are still suffering. We hope that you will support this measure in the weeks ahead," the lawmakers wrote.

"Our true colors are revealed in times of crisis," said Congressman Gonzalez. "This pandemic is a long way from ending and it's our responsibility to take care of our fellow man. As long as I represent the 15th District of Texas, I will fight for all constituents, especially those who need help and are suffering. The Trump administration and Leader McConnell must take up The Heroes Act to extend unemployment insurance as soon as possible."

The full text of the letter can be found here.

Issues:Economy