By TIME Staff
More than 1.3 million Americans lost federal unemployment benefits on Dec. 28 as an emergency measure passed during the depths of the recession expired. Democrats condemned Congress’s failure to renew the measure, which extends jobless pay beyond the standard 26 weeks at an average of $300 per week, and warned of dire consequences for families and the economy. The party will push the issue in January as Congress considers a 90-day extension of long-term jobless benefits, but Republicans are demanding offsetting savings to fund the effort. More than 4.1 million Americans had been out of work for at least 26 weeks and were looking for a job in November, according to the Department of Labor.
–ZEKE MILLER
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- Coco Gauff Is Playing for Herself Now
- Scenes From Pro-Palestinian Encampments Across U.S. Universities
- 6 Compliments That Land Every Time
- If You're Dating Right Now , You're Brave: Column
- The AI That Could Heal a Divided Internet
- Fallout Is a Brilliant Model for the Future of Video Game Adaptations
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com