SPOKANE, WA June 17, 2008 --  With unemployment claims for the month of May up by 23 percent over last year, Cathy McMorris-Rogers and the Republican party in Congress voted last week to deny an extension of benefits to those most in need. 

The current economic downturn is hurting many people across the state, but the hardest hit counties are in Northeast Washington, part of the state represented by Cathy McMorris-Rogers.  "In the state as a whole, and in our Congressional district, unemployment is up over last year's numbers," stated Mark Mays, Candidate for Congress.  "It amazes me that Cathy is not held accountable for her votes.  She clearly is not representing the needs of her district.  Instead, she values party loyalty over what is good for her constituency."

Last Wednesday, in the U.S. House of Representatives, by a vote of 279-144 and 11 not voting, H.R. 5749, the Emergency Extended Unemployment Act of 2008 was defeated by only three votes, including that of Cathy McMorris- Rogers.  The measure was considered under an emergency suspension of the rules, and would have needed 2/3 of the members present and voting to pass, which it nearly had.  The measure was passed by the House of Representatives the following day.  McMorris Rogers still voted to deny additional benefits.

The Emergency Extended Unemployment Act will funnel more revenue to the areas hardest hit by the lack of jobs.  In effect, combined with the Economic Stimulus package passed by the Democratic Congress, this will give people the means to keep up on their bills, and make new purchases, if needed.

"Nearly 64% of the Representatives in the US House voted in favor of this bill, and was passed by the House the next day. Cathy McMorris-Rogers voted not just against this bill, but against her own constituents who are most harmed by the results of these economic problems.  This hurts not only those looking for jobs but unable to find them, it also hurts retailers and all of those in the district who are losing income.  It just goes to show how out of touch Cathy is with the average people of Eastern Washington, and the nation as a whole," stated Mays.