Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act

HR 4439, the Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act, modernizes unemployment insurance by providing full federal funding for extended benefits instead of state funding, increasing the number of weeks available during high unemployment periods, and improving how benefit amounts are calculated. The bill establishes minimum standards for regular unemployment benefits including a 26-week minimum duration, a minimum wage replacement rate of 75%, and a maximum benefit amount based on state average wages. It eliminates waiting weeks before benefits begin, expands eligibility for certain groups including student-workers and victims of violence or harassment, and creates a new jobseeker allowance program with specific eligibility criteria and a weekly payment of $250 (adjusted for inflation). The legislation also includes provisions for dependents' allowances and ensures extended benefits are exempt from sequestration (budget cuts).