In a recent congressional report by the Committee of Ways and Means, the effect of the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program is examined, and the data is staggering. Historical periods of extended benefits and record-breaking costs added to the national debt confirm what many employers (UTCA included) have believed as the US has struggled to create new jobs.
This is a highly recommended read:
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/uploadedfiles/euc_labor_day_report_082814.pdf