Sen. Coats offers amendments to offset and reform unemployment benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.) today offered several amendments to legislation the Senate is currently considering that would extend the expanded emergency unemployment benefits program first created after the fiscal crisis of 2008.

Yesterday, Coats voted to proceed with considering an extension of unemployment insurance because he believes the Senate should have the opportunity to debate and reform this legislation. The amendments offered today by Coats would reform the existing program to ensure that it is paid for and benefits are going to those actively looking for work.

“I am offering not just one idea for an offset, but several different options that Harry Reid can choose from,” said Coats.

“This is an important issue for many Americans, and we need to ensure this program works better for those truly in need and connects the unemployed with available jobs. Any further extension of this program should be paid for because Congress cannot continue to rack up more debt and pass the bill along to our children.”

The offset and reform amendments Coats offered include:

Prohibit Simultaneous Collection of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Unemployment Insurance (UI):

This amendment would prohibit those who are eligible for unemployment insurance from also claiming Social Security disability benefits. By law, a person must be able to work to qualify for unemployment benefits, yet some people claiming unemployment benefits also request Social Security disability benefits. To claim SSDI benefits, a person must be unable to work because of a medical condition. A person is not eligible to receive both because an individual cannot be both “able” and “unable” to work at the same time. Estimated savings: roughly $6 billion.

Address Abuse of Child Tax Credit:

This amendment would require the submission of a valid Social Security number in order to claim the refundable portion of the child tax credit (“refundable” means it is a direct payment that is not offsetting tax liability). Under current law, the IRS has determined that those not legally residing in the United States can receive the child tax credit. The Coats amendment would address abuse in the current system. Estimated savings: $27 billion.

Delay Obamacare Mandates:

This amendment would delay the individual and employer mandates under Obamacare for one year. President Obama has delayed the mandate for businesses and offering the same delay to all American families is a simple issue of fairness. Estimated savings: $35 billion.

Verify Sustained Employment Search:

This amendment would reform the UI program to require those receiving benefits to demonstrate they are undergoing a sustained “job search.” This would ensure benefits go only to those actively seeking employment.

Legislation addressing unemployment benefits program is currently under consideration by the full Senate.

“I am hopeful that Majority Leader Reid will allow a real debate on extending this program,” said Coats. “I cannot support the bill if we don’t pass amendments to pay for it and reform the program.”

Votes on amendments have not yet been set.