Instead of doing the right thing and finding ways to create jobs and help his constituents recover from layoffs, Congressman Steve King is more worried about his constituents refusing to look for work until their unemployment benefits stop.

King told KTIV, Sioux City’s NBC affiliate, that extending unemployment benefits would turn “the ‘safety net’ into a hammock. It should actually be a ‘safety net’.”

“Calling the extension to unemployment benefits a ‘hammock’ is insulting. Sioux City is suffering with the blow of the Morrell plant closing. This is the worst recession in 80 years. But, Congressman King believes that we should be worried about these workers being too lazy,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan.

Kiernan continued, calling King’s comments “absurd,” noting that extending unemployment benefits has bipartisan support in Congress. Unemployment benefits were extended as part of the original stimulus, and eligibility for that extension expires at the end of February.

“Iowans believe in working hard and playing by the rules, and I know that many affected by the Morrell plant closing are already looking for work to provide for their families after the plant closes. Steve King should stop insulting his constituents and get to work helping them get through this difficult time.”