McDermott calls for hearing on long-term unemployment

Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), chairman of the House Ways and Means subcommittee on family issues, will hold a hearing June 10 on possible policy responses to long-term unemployment.

While the economy is showing signs of improvement, nearly 46 percent of all unemployed workers have been without a job for over six months, a record high since the statistic was created in 1948.

McDermott claims over 10 million jobs need to be created to restore the labor market to pre-recession levels and stresses that extensions to unemployment insurance need to continue until the job scene is greatly improved.

"If we can afford wars, tax cuts and bank bailouts, then we can certainly afford to maintain programs for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own," he said in prepared remarks.

Not every Democrat agrees with that statement, however.

Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.) and Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) recently told The Hill that they are troubled by the continuation of relief given the historically high deficit and a debt limit that has soared beyond $13 trillion.

McDermott's hearing will address the issue of continuing assistance to unemployed workers as well as present possible policy options for long-term unemployment.

According to the congressman, studies find that unemployment leads to a variety of negative outcomes for workers and their families, including increased health problems and permanent withdrawal from the labor market.

"[We] need to think about additional steps to help those trying to return to work," McDermott said. "An increasing number of Americans who have worked hard and played by the rules are now finding themselves with no job, no savings and no support. We must not abandon these workers and their families."