7,000 Americans have their unemployment benefits expire every day, and according to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment in California has reached 12.2%- fourth highest in the nation. With so many people facing uncertainty as unemployment benefits begin to expire, the Senate has been working hard this week to extend benefits for up to 14 additional weeks.

Majority Leader Harry Reid threatened a midnight vote to overcome obstruction from some Republicans, though a deal was struck to keep the forward progress going. With so many Americans struggling to make ends meet day-to-day, an extension of these basic benefits is both urgent and necessary. Even with the Kerry-Boxer bill and health care reform understandably dominating many people’s attention, the Democratic leadership and Senator Boxer continue to work to ensure that Americans have the basics they need to get back on their feet and contribute to our economic recovery.