(WASHINGTON, DC) – As the airline industry continues to struggle with the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District – Kansas) has signed on as a co-sponsor of the bipartisan Displaced Workers Relief Act, which would help tens of thousands of laid off workers.

"Over 100,000 workers may be laid off as a result of the terrorist attacks’ impact on the airline industry. The economy was already slowing down and these layoffs have the potential to push us into a recession. We passed a $15 billion relief package for the airlines, now it is time to help their workers," said Moore.

Under the bill, all airline and airport workers, including transit workers, as well as employees who work for airline suppliers, such as service employees, plane manufacturers, and so forth, will be eligible to receive these benefits.

The Displaced Workers Relief Act (H.R. 2946):

* Extends unemployment benefits from 26 to 78 weeks (this is the same amount provided to workers under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program);

* Provides 26 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits for workers who would not otherwise qualify;

* Extends job training benefits from 52 to 78 weeks (this is the same amount provided under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program); and

* Provides up to 78 weeks of federally subsidized COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) health insurance premiums and provides optional temporary Medicaid coverage for those workers without COBRA coverage.

"This bill is a cost-effective way to assist workers and their families, and at the same time, stimulate the economy. Displaced workers and their families will not be saving this assistance, they will be putting it back into the economy at a time that it needs it most," said Moore