House Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) joined CNBC’s “Squawk Box” to talk about how we help Americans get back to work through a “return to work” bonus.

Key excerpts:

“We think the focus ought to be making sure these 40 million Americans aren’t permanently unemployed. One of the keys is to get them back to work in a safe, healthy environment. We think a return to work bonus – that allows workers to keep $1,200, two weeks of their unemployment – for taking that job that they just left makes good economic sense.”

“Depending what state you’re in, between two-thirds and three-fourths of workers get paid more on the unemployment system today than they do at their previous job. That’s going to make it tough for that business to be able to remake and rebuild their workforce and reopen again during this recovery.”

“Certainly here in Texas, it’s just not anecdotal. Businesses are calling very frustrated that they can’t bring their workforce back. They are worried if they can ride this out.”

“Unless we can reconnect these workers with those businesses soon, there’s a likelihood that business won’t make it through this crisis – and we need them to. That’s the only way that we get a strong recovery and avoid a prolonged recession, which is, again, really bad for those who are temporarily unemployed right now.”

“Later this summer, we know the states will continue unemployment benefits. The question will be what role, if any, does the federal government play in that. My thinking is to assess that economy and that situation when that comes.”

CLICK HERE to watch the full interview.

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