The proposed extension would provide benefits for an additional 14 weeks for jobless workers in all 50 states. It would also add six weeks of insurance jobless in states with unemployment about 8.5 percent, which includes Illinois.
"If you listen to these stories, as I have, and understand what these folks are up against, understand first how hard they're trying to find a job in a very tough economy, its the least we can do as an American family to conform with these unemployment benefits," Durbin said.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation authorizing the extension. Senator Durbin says the Senate will debate the legislation next week.
