The AP reported this morning that Republicans were filibustering legislation at a record pace. But, Republican obstructionism isn’t simply a legislative exercise, the effect of which is contained by the beltway. We were reminded today that the cost of Republican obstructionist tactics is very real and paid for by American families.

Because of Republican Senator Jim Bunning’s obstructionist ploy, and the tacit approval of Republican leadership, thousands of Americans will no longer be able to work at their jobs. Because of this particular case of Republican obstruction, important projects that are pouring needed dollars into local economies and providing local communities with good paying jobs are on hold. Because of Republican obstruction, across the country today, millions of Americans hit hardest by the economic collapse are waking up to find their safety net gone. Because of Republican obstruction, Americans who have already been dealt a blow when they lost their job are being denied health care today.

The really sad part – Republicans are proud of their tactics. Last week, Senator John Cornyn, Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, defended the GOP’s obstruction saying he “admire[d] the courage” of Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning who is leading the GOP’s efforts.

Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated case of Republican obstruction. Because of a Republican hold on nominations of qualified Americans, critical military and homeland security positions were delayed for the sake of a French military contractor despite the fact that our country is in two wars and our forces battle terrorists every day. Just days ago, twenty-nine Republicans banded together to try to hold up a jobs bill despite the fact that we are recovering from the deepest recession in generations. And Republicans continue to threaten to obstruct legislation that would lower the cost of health care and end unfair insurance company practices for millions of Americans despite the fact that premiums continue to soar and further strangle families and small businesses.

The cost of Republican obstruction isn’t simply thwarting the will of the democratically elected majority. It’s also taking a real toll on American families and communities every day.

To make the cost of Republican obstruction more real, please find below a list of projects that are being held up by Senator Bunning’s obstruction that could bring needed funds and jobs to communities across the country:

The AP reported this morning that Republicans were filibustering legislation at a record pace. But, Republican obstructionism isn’t simply a legislative exercise, the effect of which is contained by the beltway. We were reminded today that the cost of Republican obstructionist tactics is very real and paid for by American families.

Because of Republican Senator Jim Bunning’s obstructionist ploy, and the tacit approval of Republican leadership, thousands of Americans will no longer be able to work at their jobs. Because of this particular case of Republican obstruction, important projects that are pouring needed dollars into local economies and providing local communities with good paying jobs are on hold. Because of Republican obstruction, across the country today, millions of Americans hit hardest by the economic collapse are waking up to find their safety net gone. Because of Republican obstruction, Americans who have already been dealt a blow when they lost their job are being denied health care today.

The really sad part – Republicans are proud of their tactics. Last week, Senator John Cornyn, Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, defended the GOP’s obstruction saying he “admire[d] the courage” of Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning who is leading the GOP’s efforts.

Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated case of Republican obstruction. Because of a Republican hold on nominations of qualified Americans, critical military and homeland security positions were delayed for the sake of a French military contractor despite the fact that our country is in two wars and our forces battle terrorists every day. Just days ago, twenty-nine Republicans banded together to try to hold up a jobs bill despite the fact that we are recovering from the deepest recession in generations. And Republicans continue to threaten to obstruct legislation that would lower the cost of health care and end unfair insurance company practices for millions of Americans despite the fact that premiums continue to soar and further strangle families and small businesses.

The cost of Republican obstruction isn’t simply thwarting the will of the democratically elected majority. It’s also taking a real toll on American families and communities every day.

To make the cost of Republican obstruction more real, please find below a list of projects that are being held up by Senator Bunning’s obstruction that could bring needed funds and jobs to communities across the country: