(CNN) With special pandemic unemployment benefits set to expire in the next few weeks, opera singer Brian Montgomery is making plans to leave the country. But now, with Congress stalled on a fresh relief deal, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program will run out just after Christmas. Brian Montgomery, an out-of-work opera singer, voice teacher and tour guide, will have to move to Asia if Congress doesn't extend pandemic unemployment benefits by the end of the year. "I had hoped our wonderful Congress would have figured it out by now," said Montgomery, 63. Montgomery is among the 7.3 million independent contractors, gig workers, freelancers and self-employed folks who would lose unemployment benefits, according to a recent estimate by The Century Foundation.

Source: CNN November 21, 2020 13:18 UTC