Unveiling a measure Thursday to extend unemployment benefits, U.S. Rep. Phil English said the unemployed need a break because of the battered economy.

The 21st District congressman from Erie explained his idea at the Mercer County CareerLink in downtown Sharon. Called "The Help America's Workers Act,'' the measure would give extra federal assistance to states designated as having high unemployment. Under the measure, up to a dozen states would be included: definitely Pennsylvania and probably Ohio, he said.

While English said he wants to push the measure through as soon as possible, Congress isn't known for its speed.

"Given how the institution works, this could drag on for a couple of months,'' English said.

Under the measure:

   » Thirteen weeks of additional benefits for the unemployed would be provided to those who exhausted their regular 26 weeks of state compensation.

   » An additional 26 weeks of federal assistance would be provided to qualified individuals in states designated as having high unemployment.

   » Benefits would be extended retroactive to Dec. 28 and continue through June 1.

   » An additional six weeks of more extended benefits would be provided to qualified individuals who have exhausted the previously extended benefits.

Billions of dollars have already been set aside by Congress to deal with this situation, he said.

"We should be prepared to spend it now for people who really need it,'' English said.

English acknowledged that he wasn't sure if the Bush administration was behind extending unemployment compensation. But he said President Bush realizes the economy needs a boost.

"I think George Bush has been getting (the idea),'' English said.

While the House passed a measure to extend unemployment benefits, the Senate couldn't muster up the votes last month to approve the package.

"I am very disappointed Congress did not extend unemployment (benefits),'' English said. "It proves Congress has to hit the ground running in terms of dealing with the unemployed.''

In addition to an extension of unemployment benefits, the nation needs a stimulus package from Congress, English said. He predicted the package would be approved early next year. In recent weeks, the Bush administration has been highlighting its efforts to boost the economy.

The national unemployment rate jumped from 5.7 percent in October to 6 percent in November -- an eight-year high.

A few days after the jobless rates were announced, the Bush administration fired its top economic team of Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill and Lawrence Lindsey, head of the administration's National Economic Council.

Polls of voters continue to show they believe the economy, not terrorism, should be the nation's top priority. English said he was aware of the findings, but also noted that on Election Day in November the polls showed that Democrats and Republicans were equally regarded in the way each party has been addressing the economy.

"I think the polls send a message to both parties,'' English said.