Atlanta, GA – During tonight’s debate and over the course of the pandemic Kelly Loeffler has tried to paint herself as a champion for unemployed workers, but her record couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Loeffler supported legislation to limit workers’ unemployment benefits at the beginning of the pandemic.

• On March 25, 2020, Loeffler voted for “Sasse, R-Neb., amendment no. 1577 to the CARES Act that would prevent the total weekly unemployment compensation benefits provided to an individual under the bill’s provisions from exceeding the individual’s average weekly wages.” The amendment was rejected by a vote of 48-48. [CQ, 3/25/20; Vote 79, S.Amdt. 1577 to S.Amdt. 1578 to H.R. 748, 3/25/20] 

Loeffler called an extension of the $600 enhanced federal unemployment insurance benefits an incentive not to work, and dismissed the urgent need for additional benefits. 

• “We don’t need incentives not to work…I am not seeing a big need to extend the federal unemployment insurance.” [Twitter, @PodSaveAmerica, 7/22/20] 

Indeed, Loeffler voted to cut the enhanced federal unemployment insurance benefits in half. 

• “Republicans think they have political cover to leave town after 52 GOP senators voted last week for a targeted…coronavirus relief bill,” which included only “$300 a week in federal unemployment assistance.” [The Hill, 9/17/20] 

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