WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, introduced the Back to Work Act countering House Democrats, led by U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., pushing for extending federal pandemic unemployment programs into 2022.
“With 10.9 million open jobs nationwide, record high prices as a result of massive overspending, and COVID-19 vaccines widely available, what good reason is there to spend more taxpayer dollars we don’t have to pay people to stay home instead of work? There isn’t one,” Hinson said in a released statement.
“These programs were put together quickly during the pandemic to ensure that those who had lost their jobs due to pandemic closures could provide for their families, and I supported this targeted and temporary relief. Now, our economy has reopened, but small businesses can’t find workers because they are paid by the government to stay home,” she added.
The Back to Work Act would require the Bureau of Labor Statistics to study the negative impacts of prolonged pandemic unemployment benefits on our communities, demonstrating that work is the best option for Americans, not government dependence.
“Unfortunately, these programs were susceptible to abuse and exploited by bad actors. Continuing these benefits without taking any steps to address rampant fraud is blatantly disrespectful to the taxpayers expected to fund this program and makes absolutely no sense,” Hinson said.
Reports indicate that between $87 billion to $400 billion was stolen.
“We don’t need policies that disincentivize work, drag down the economy, and make the pandemic lifestyle permanent. It’s time to get Americans back to work,” Hinson concluded.
