let us extend this vital lifeline for a single father from missoula. in this great recession let us waive the budget act to enact this temporary extension of unemployment insurance for hundreds of thousands of americans who are struggling through no fault -fl their own just -- fault of their own just to get by. it is true, mr. president, that we soon we must very significantly address our budget deficits. and the real test will be the degree to which this country, the president, the congress, buckle down and start to reduce the budget deficits during times of prosperity. that is, after we get out of this recession and when unemployment levels start to reach acceptable lower levels. that's when we're going to be facing the true test of whether we reduce the budget deficits. and i'm saying, mr. president, that that's our responsibility to do so. we should let unemployment benefits extend. we shouldn't have to pay for those now but soon, when the unemployment rate falls when country comes out of recession, then it's up to us to go the extra mile to make s

let us extend this vital lifeline for the single dad fro missoula and for his daughters who depend ons enact this temporary extension of unemployment insurance without delay. mr. president, i suggest the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call: quorum call: quorum call: mr. cardin: mr. president? the presiding officer: stphoupl maryland. mr. cardin: i ask unanimous consent that the quorum call be dispensed with. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. cardin: mr. president, i rise in support of the bill currently before the senate which would provide for temporary extension of unemployment benefits, cobra coverage and prevent a severe cut to providers' reimbursement under medicare. the underlying bill would also extend the national flood insurance program which is set to expire -- which expired on march 28 at midnight. each of these provisions is important in its own right and each will help our economy move forward. the long-term unemployment rate is defined as the percentage of people in the workforce who have been out of work for