As the U.S. economy bounces back from the COVID-induced downturn, some employers say theyre having a hard time finding workers. GOP lawmakers like Rep. David Rouzer (N.C.) blame the safety net .

This is what happens when you extend unemployment benefits too long and add a $1400 stimulus payment, Rouzer said on Twitter last week, posting a photo from a Hardees that said it was closed for lack of staff. Right when employers need workers to fully open back up, few can be found.

Its a dubious argument. Republicans said this same thing last year when Congress passed a big relief bill that added $600 per week to state unemployment benefits for four months.

Democrats are going to make the next four months impossible for small businesses to hire, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said.

This bill creates an incentive for people to be unemployed for the next four months, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) said.