Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Votes In Favor of Unemployment Compensation Extension ActWill Extend Unemployment Benefits, Homebuyer Tax Credit and Tax Cuts to Americans Nationwide

(WASHINGTON, DC)–Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks voted in favor of H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act, which will extend unemployment benefits, homebuyer tax credit and tax cuts for families and businesses.

“My colleagues and I voted in a bipartisan manner to bring about the necessary benefits that will help strengthen the economy and create jobs for hardworking Americans across the country. As America recovers from one of the hardest economic recessions it is extremely important that we provide American taxpayers the essential tools for recovery and help our businesses flourish,” stated Congressman Meeks.

This legislation strengthens the domestic housing market, extends the first-time homebuyer tax credit through next spring, expands eligibility for the homebuyer credit and provides housing tax relief to military families and businesses. For American businesses, it includes the NOL carry back provision that will provide stability to companies that have suffered significant losses.

Under the provisions of this bill 14 additional weeks of unemployment benefits will be provided nationwide and an extra six weeks for those in states with more than 8.5 percent of Americans who are unemployed. In addition, this bill will help more than 1.3 million Americans who will run out of employment benefits by the end of December.

“At a time when many American families are suffering from unemployment and unprecedented foreclosures this legislation will bring about expedited financial relief to many Americans. I look forward to working with President Obama to ensure that the provisions in this bill are carried out to the fullest extent,” stated Congressman Meeks.

Now serving in his sixth full-term, Meeks was elected to the House on February 3, 1998. Representing New York's Sixth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, Meeks' district covers all towns of Southeast Queens, Far Rockaway and Howard Beach. He is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Congressman Meeks is the Chairman of the International Monetary Policy & Trade Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee. He is a Member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), New Democrats Coalition and the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC). He serves as the Co-chair of the Malaysia Caucus, Services Caucus, Dialogue Caucus, OAS Caucus and the Middle East Economic Partnership Caucus.