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Unemployment insurance extension stalls in Senate

By Tony Romm - 10/01/09 03:54 PM ET

An effort to expand unemployment insurance for millions of Americans stalled Thursday in the Senate amid criticism the proposal is unfair to some states.

The bill, which easily cleared the House last week, would offer an additional 13 weeks of benefits to jobless Americans in states with unemployment rates above 8.5 percent. Currently, unemployed persons can collect this assistance for about 26 weeks in most states.

Both Democrats and Republicans seem to agree with the thrust of the legislation, but Senate lawmakers in particular are now voicing their concerns that the proposal would disadvantage jobless workers in the 23 states that have unemployment levels below the bill's 8.5 percent threshold.

They instead propose a new system that would grant four more weeks of unemployment insurance to jobless Americans in all states, but 13 weeks of additional help for unemployed citizens in states above the designated minimum.

"Unemployed workers face equally severe challenges no matter what state they live in, and they should be given the support they need," said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H. during floor debate, as reported by The Associated Press.

Shaheen, along with 15 of her Democratic colleagues and two independents, also echoed those concerns in a letter to Senate leaders on Wednesday.

But lowering the bill's unemployment threshold could prove difficult. House lawmakers confronted this very issue during floor debate last week, and they resolved to keep the minimum rate at 8.5 percent to ensure their $1.4 billion proposal did not add to the deficit. Efforts to raise that number would likely require lawmakers to raise the unemployment tax from $14 a year to something much higher, explained Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), the bill's sponsor.

Source:
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/61237-unemployment-insurance-extension-stalls-in-senate

Comments (185)

This is ridiculous! Many thousands of Americans (like myself) have exhausted all unemployement benefits. I live in a state that would qualify for the full 33-week extension but do feel all states deserve equal treatment. The Senate needs to hear the voice of the people!! Pass some type of extension NOW … many Americans are down to their last dollar!BY Mary Wills on 10/01/2009 at 17:44
Jeanne Shaheen. I hope the voters of N.H. remember this name come her next election bid and think of all the unemployed folks who went wentout food and shelter because of her actions.BY Ric on 10/01/2009 at 17:53
while the senate is stilldebating, thousands are without any funds. please hurryBY christine on 10/01/2009 at 17:57
I can not believe that the Senate is actually debating whether to go on with the approval, it is insane how they do not feel what we are feeling at home and attempting to look for work. I am a full time student majoring in criminal justice and I have been on a waiting list for the NYPD since January 2008. I have been looking for jobs to get by but still nothing is available. The Senate needs to understand that we the people did not ask to be jobless and miserable in this very economic crisis that is going on, and they need to see that the people can not keep a roof over our heads if no money is being earned or received. …Senate should come take a walk in reality, see what it's like to have to touch what little savings are left in a bank just to get by…WAKE UP SENATES!!! THIS IS A RECESSION!BY Gabriel M. on 10/01/2009 at 18:04
They should pass a 26 week extension,every one in congress knows there will be fewer jobs in 13 weeks than they are right now.BY Chris on 10/01/2009 at 18:24
Please help and extend unemployment insurance!!BY Eric on 10/01/2009 at 18:25
pass the extension now… i called both of my senators today telling them how i felt … everyone should be calling their senators NOWBY kathy on 10/01/2009 at 18:31
All unemployment benefits given by our government stimulate our economy faster than any other form that is now being tried. All monies are immediately put back into our system keeping the rest of the work force from becoming victims of this recession. Extensions of unemployment are no brainers. We are acting like a couple of billion dollars is the straw that broke the camels back. This extension should be indefinate or at least till our economy fully rebounds. We spend more on wars that destroy than we could ever spend on unemployment. Please lets grow up.BY John  on 10/01/2009 at 18:35
Just pass it. What the hjell is wrong with these millionaires. They passed on billions of dollars ancd hundred million dollar bonuse to bank and financial cheats and frauds, but if people are living on the street for want of $300 and unemployed due to the efforts of the millionaires and their greedy sick societyy, NO, they won't do it. JUST PASS THIS SENATEMORONS. I wpuld say more, but it's best said privately since free spech ends when you say what you really shoul;d and/or will do to them.BY Bob Jack on 10/01/2009 at 18:54
Simple. PASS the bill as is NOW and work on a second bill to address the States not included in the cut off. I wonder what part of "emergency" is not understood by our Senators?BY Herb on 10/01/2009 at 18:57

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