Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy of Mineola pledged to continue to be a "hands-on, accessible" congresswoman when she took the oath of office. McCarthy, who represents the 4th Congressional District, was sworn in for her fourth term during the opening ceremony of the 108th Congress in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol.

"The people of the Fourth Congressional District have entrusted me with a very important job - a job that I take very seriously. I will continue to work day and night to address the concerns families wrestle with every day: preparing for retirement, providing a high-quality education for their kids and paying the rising costs of prescription drugs," said McCarthy. "I am dedicated and committed to winning the war on terrorism, but real security means not only the war on terrorism, but economic, health, education and environmental security for every American."

The congresswoman's first official act of the 108th Congress was to call on President Bush and congressional leadership to join with her to immediately extend unemployment benefits to assist unemployed New Yorkers.

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy was tapped for two key leadership positions for the 108th Congress, officially convening Tuesday, Jan. 7. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) appointed McCarthy to the Democratic Steering Committee. According to the House Rules, the Democratic Steering Committee is vested with authority to report nominations for committee memberships and chairmen or ranking minority members.

"I look forward to working with the leaders of the Steering Committee, all experienced legislators who reflect the great diversity and strength of our caucus," McCarthy said.

Democratic Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) also chose McCarthy to be an Assistant Whip for the 108th. Whips are tasked to poll the Democratic members of Congress on legislative issues when close votes are expected and report the responses back to Minority Whip Hoyer.

"I am honored to be chosen by Mr. Hoyer to help the caucus in this capacity," said McCarthy. "As I see it, assistant whipping is similar to what I did as a nurse - we're just sent out to take the temperature of our fellow Democrats, and report back to the doctor!" she joked.

Visit McCarthy's website www.house.gov/carolynmccarthy for more information on the 108th Congress and the different ways she represents Long Island's 4th Congressional District in Washington.

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (NY-4) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to extend unemployment insurance benefits.

"Today the House of Representatives acted on unemployment insurance legislation. This bill would guarantee at least 26 weeks of benefits to every jobless worker. Extending unemployment benefits is not only compassionate; it makes good economic sense because it stimulates the economy.

800,000 Americans lost their unemployment insurance on Dec. 28. This staggering number is in addition to the 1,000,000 American workers who have already lost their benefits. Unless action is taken, 95,000 more workers per week will lose their insurance in the next quarter.

There is currently $24 billion in the Federal Unemployment Trust Fund, which workers and employers pay into, just as they would pay for an insurance premium. The prolonged economic downturn has meant that many working people were laid off and unable to find work before their benefits expired. Throughout the 107th Congress, House leadership blocked Democratic efforts to extend these benefits and the White House refused to step in and help.

These families need real help, not empty promises. The money in the unemployment trust fund belongs to these people - they put it there. Instead of paying lip service to their plight, we should be paying them the unemployment insurance that is being held in trust specifically for times like these.

I urge President Bush to sign this legislation into law."