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Which of these words doesn't fit in a sentence about health insurance?

Arbitrary.

Capricious.

Inexplicable.

Infuriating.

OK, it was a trick question. All too often, any one of those words would fit perfectly — much like two sides of a vise squeezing firmly together against your temples.

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5), a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, has reiterated his call for the House Majority to pass legislation extending emergency unemployment insurance.

Thompson said that approximately $64,858,382 was drained from California's economy – and $400 million nationwide – during the first week of expired federal benefits.

The termination of federal unemployment benefits last month halted payments to 3,086 Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino county residents totaling about $936,000 in the first week, according to state figures.

Statewide, the cutoff affected 213,793 long-term unemployed people, who lost an average weekly benefit of $303, the state Employment Development Department said.

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson praised the bipartisan Senate vote Tuesday that launched consideration of a three-month extension of nationwide emergency unemployment insurance.

Thompson, a Democrat and Benicia's representative in the House, is a senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

On Tuesday the US Senate voted 60 to 37 to consider extending emergency unemployment insurance to more than one million Americans for three months, a step lauded by the two congressmen representing Lake County.

US Reps. John Garamendi (D-Fairfield) and Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) also urged their colleagues in the House of Representatives to take up the legislation.