WASHINGTON, D.C., (WOWO): Tuesday afternoon Senator Dan Coats  issued the following statement after voting in favor of proceeding to legislation that would extend the expanded emergency unemployment benefits program created after the fiscal crisis of 2008.

“While I oppose the current version of the bill, I voted to proceed with considering the unemployment insurance extension because I believe the Senate should have the opportunity to debate and improve this important legislation. If Majority Leader Reid once again obstructs senators from offering amendments, I will oppose final passage of this bill.”

“The unemployment insurance benefits program needs to be reformed to ensure that it works better for those truly in need and connects those who are unemployed with available jobs. Additionally, Congress cannot continue to rack up more debt and pass the bill along to our children.  Any further extension of this program should be paid for, and I am working on offering amendments that both would offset this cost and help put Americans back to work.”