(AP Photo/ Harry Hamburg)
Updated 10/9/2009
It has been nearly two weeks since the House passed H.R. 3548, seeking to extend Unemployment benefits to the long term unemployed and though Senate Majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV) promised brisk action, little has been seen.
Initially the reasons for inaction seemed to be a growing level of concern over the fact that the bill limited the availability of this extension to claimants living in those states with a sustained, high unemployment level of 8.5%. .
A new compromise emerged earlier in the week though, advocating a 20 week extension to claimants living in high unemployment states and a 14 week extension to claimants in the remaining 24 states. The Bill's passage seemed assured with the President offering vocal support and public opinion firmly behind an extension.
A funny thing happened on the way to the bill signing though as Arizona Republican Senator John Kyl voiced an objection over the speed with which the bill was being considered, saying "I have no doubt that at the appropriate time we'll be able to work out some kind of agreement. but our side is going to need some time to look at it. we'll need some republican ideas or amendments as well and need a c.b.o. score." A notion sure to inspire anger and debate.
Many American's feel that we are beyond the appropriate time. Nearly 5 million Americans all throughout this country have been unemployed more then 6 months. For them there simply must be a lifeline, a way to keep the heat on and the bills paid, a way to keep food on the table and money in the community. Beyond politics and statistics real people are losing their benefits every week, as many as one million are projected to lose their benefits by years end without action, real people dealing with economic suffocation and the Senates inaction and inability to find a quick resolution compares to nothing short of a fire company slowly walking toward an inferno.
So what do you think? Is this another instance of the GOP playing games in their ever growing campaign of obstructionism and division toward President Obama's agenda with hundreds of thousands of American economic lifelines serving as collateral damage or does Sen. Kyl have a point? Let us know. Let Senator Kyl and the GOP leadership know what you think by using the links below.
For more info: To contact your Congressional Representative click here. To contact your U.S. Senator click here. To contact Sen. Kyl click here.
Comments
I live in California and say those federal extentions
are for every united state.
As much as I need it yesterday, the senate was right
not to pass it until everyone is covered.
Now that we agree, move your A S S!
It seems to me that extending benefits to all Americans is the wise and right thing to do. If the House had done things right in the first place the Senate would have passed it already. We are in the middle of the worst financial times since the 1930's and the House is worried about saving a penny here and there. These representatives obviously don't think before they introduce legislation. If they'd used their brains this would have been taken care of already.
I just want to point out a mistake in your article. Puerto Rico would be one of the 27 states to get unemployment, leaving 24 without extentions. Last time I checked Puerto Rico is not represented by a star on the flag. I'm not saying they shouldn't get benefits. I just really dislike any news article that doesn't get the facts right.
Perhaps it comes down to a fundamental miscalculation by Rep. McDermott, the bills author in the house. Perhaps he didn't think in this climate where every penny is being scrutinized that a full extension could pass.
I can't really see it being a dollars and sense thing though, not when you realize that the price tag on this extension is around 1.4 billion, weigh that against T.A.R.P or even Cash for Clunkers and the price tag is low, especially when you consider the direct impact this has on consumption and the economy.
my last unemployment check was in july will i be eligible for this extension
yes you will be eligible as long as you live in a state where the unemployment rate is 8.5% or higher.
This is a disgrace. Pass the bill
These Senators should be embarrassed by there inaction. They can have there three day weekend why we are worried about feeding our kids this weekend. I won't be surprised when someone starts to take these politicians actions as a personel attack and does something serious. This country is sliding down a hill fast and they are more worried about getting reelected than helping out the American people.
I live in Minnesota, a state excluded in the House benefits extension bill. We need that extension as much or more than anyone else! There are at LEAST 6 people applying for every job here, and Minnesota is starting to get cold in October! I hope the Senate makes the right move soon, heating bills in Minnesota run about 300 dollars per month in the winter.
@Jason, spot on analysis.
@Grans, good question best directed for your local labor department. Unfortunately you won't likely get an answer until the bill passes and becomes law. You might want to reach out to your representative as well, you can follow the links at the bottom of the article for help with that. Your a prime example of someone not reflected in the national number of 9.8%, your literally invisible to a Congress moving at a snails pace. Appalling.
@Charlie Baker, thanks for the note, correction made. My apologies.
Meanwhile, I haven't had a check in over a month. There hardly any jobs and I can't get any of the ones I apply for. The unemployment rate is 12.2 here and these people in the lower unemployment states are dragging out the approval of this extension are ruining my life! THANKS! Like this all can't be amended later. Hey Minnesota, hey Nebraska hey Utah and all you others HOW ABOUT YOU PAY MY RENT FOR ME!!!
I live in Chicago & the last Interview I went to they told me that there were 8,000 yes, I said 8,000 applicants for the job! My last unemp. check was received almost 2 weeks ago & I have to keep my Families head above the water. We are hardworking Americans that have paid our taxes, be good Citizens & we can't even get our Government give a heck about anyone but themselves. Extend the Benefits! We the People, need you to do your job!
What kind of government do we have in this country that forces The American people to bail out the banks and AIG? The very same institutions whose greed caused millions of Americans to loss their jobs in the first place. Now that very same goverment is dragging thier feet and telling us we have to wait and wait for another extension of unemployment.
As long as they're stalling, how about utilizing this time to increase the weekly benefit rate as well? I figure that will be the next step, anyway. Do they want us to stimulate the economy or not?
Saw the writing on the wall a long time ago. Extensions will be a necessity for years -- that is if they truly want us to "stimulate" the economy. Lost my house in a 3-month lapse of unemployment. And while they're stalling, how about utilizing this time to double the weekly benefit rate, as well?
Pass the bill, the Senate all have paychecks coming in, what do they care if it takes one,two or three weeks to pass what do they care they have a paycheck and food on there table and roof over their head
The Senate Finance Committee passed a Senate version of the bill. Majority Leader Reid's office indicates on 10/2 the bill will be on the Senate floor the week of 10/5 and taken up after a Defense appropriation bill. Pray that there isn't a need for major Conference Committee resolution.
While the formal U-3 reading is 9.8 million unemployed, the U-6 figure is 17.5 million. If the Democrats don't move fast, there will be serious political fallout. The job front remains dismal and the trend line on their watch is moving in the wrong direction. With patience so thin, there will not be a "forgive and forget" this time.
You know its amazing that its only a few people holding the life and well being of MILLIONS in there hands were suppose to be one NATION UNDER GOD but if your rich or have power were nothing to them
I have worked my whole life in a supporting role for the auto makers. Having been laid off many times you learn to adjust. This time our government has been the main problem by allowing poor regulation over the banking industries. this started a decade ago. It's a shame that this great country doesn't have any better leaders than those in office now.
they are asking for it by taking their sweet time with this bill. create jobs or extend the benefits. the morons created this mess in the first place. people are going to be placed on the streets, and they are going to be very visible. the morons are not going to be able hide their big behinds getting bigger by the day.
when will the the extension start .Let's keep it moving,give it to all the states if this is going to release benefits.
I can't believe this is happening, our so called "leaders" are obviously not looking at the bigger picture. People need help and I thought that's what they're jobs are is to agree, vote and make a change to help those who are suffering from this economy. How much more can the American people take? We are starving. Please other very small populated states I feel bad for you too, but lets not hold this up any longer get your house representative to fight it out after the bill has passed. By the end of this month going into december there will be millions who will not have anything. Think about it.
I guess this is the democrats way to get back at us for being against the public option.
The bottom line is the statistics are meaningless percentages... if one is unemployed for an extended period regardless of state percentages and qualifications for additional aid - they are all in the same boat: THEY ALL NEED THE EXTENDED BENEFITS TO EAT & LIVE!!! What is so hard to understand about that? Our government consists on elite morons who have NO common sense and do NOT comprehend LOGIC! Write a benefit bill that takes care of ALL AMERICANS THAT NEED IT, PERIOD!!! DUH!
I live in one of the high unemployment states and have received my last benefits a month ago,i have looked for a job for a long time and to no avail. i trust that they dont take too much longer as it is detrimental to my survival!
Americans once again are being put on hold by the rich over payed politicians. The government never waited around for me to pay taxes they just took it, now its time to get help and you have to jump through circles to get it. Once more we the tax payers are caught up in petty bs.
good points all! I might suggest we stay away from "political party" blame, as this problem developed years ago, and we are only now seeing the results. I haved worked for many years and have now joined the ranks of unemployed, meaning, in actuallity, I, and many others my age have paid many thousands of dollars into unemployment insurance. Regular benefits last approximatly 7 months, but most of us have paid for many years. We should be entitled to a fair compansation, regaurdless of our states so called unemployment rate, which is generally much higher than statistical figures. perhaps the goverment invested our monies in the failed banking systems? then had to use it as bail out? For those of us retired or planning to, you might want to check out the status of social security, I understand we have built a few roads and bridges and with the current economic crisis,more is going out then coming in! A good note, the federal reserve keeps printing paper that becomes more useless daily
i dont understand whats the deal whats taking so long im 29 with a fam of 7 i have to take care of i havent got a check in a month and a half we lost are house and i had to move in with my mom with 2 sons and my wife moved in with her mom with my lil girls today is my daughters 11th birthday and dosent understand why she didnt get anything .
They shouldnt get paided till they take there time and figure this out and suffer like us.
This is so pathetic; last year at this time, Henry Paulson stood in front of the House and Senate in EMERGENCY hearings....remember, they stopped EVERYTHING to help out AIG and BIG BANKS. They didn't fight over who got what, they approved hundreds of billions of dollars in DAYS (not weeks) to BIG MONEY. Now, we are losing more homes, children are suffering, the welfare office is more than overloaded (in our state it now takes over 1 month for EMERGENCY state assistance)! This bill is only slated to cost 1.4 billion of (money that WILL NOT add to the deficit) and we cannot get the help?!?!?! This is so SAD!
I know i'm only one person but the next election i am voting for whoever is running on the independant ticket,i don't care if it is bin laden they will get my vote
Why would they choose to move slow on this but fast on bank bailouts? If they don't pass this on Monday, they should explain to the unemployed in America in prime time the reason!
Where are we suppose to find jobs when NYS seems to be on a hiring freeze? There aren't any workers to talk to only machines. I tried to find my local Medcaid office. To see I my husband is eligable. They give the wrong address in Coney Island. So I need all the unemployment till I find a job that will pay the rent and bills and Medical care. Don't you guys get it........................
I am very disappointed in the Senate because for the pass 2weeks the Senate Finance Committee has been totally fixated on Healthcare Reform and to hell with S.1699 on the shelf collecting dust. We have 400.000 decent Americans who have exhausted their benefits in Aug/Sept, who are devastated because this bill has not moved to the floor of the Senate. If it had then these Senators could have voice their amendments with resolution before this late date. I am very ticked off because we are begging our ELECTED officials for help and we are still being ignored. I have worked for 30 years and have been unemployed for 13 mos, never had to ask the government for anything and yet look at their treatment towards me/us all.
LETS HAVE A PEACEFUL RIOT
LETS HAVE A SIT IN
ANARCHY IN THE USA
When will the unemployment extension start. I'v been unemployed for 18 months, I need the extension,with no money coming in but what i get from unemployment . I'v cancled my home phone , cable ,cell,just to make my house payment. I think it's time the government !!!!GETS OFF ITS ASS!!!!, and does somthing thet is good for the people who live by paycheck. Get out of the free trade agrement and bring jobs back to the USA . We care to much about every body els and not us. Screw every one els, thay do nothing for the Good USA . The USA -(Government)- used to have BALLS. What happened
My main concern is NOT healthcare reform but its finding a JOB! The Senate has been letting S.1699 sit on a shelf in the Finance Committee while they plays games with the Republicans on this reform when THEY have no intentions of voting for any reform anyway. The Senate has allowed 400.000 decent Americans wait and wait and wait until now other Senators are complaining that their state isn't covered by this bill and that probably will delay the bill longer. I have learned alot watching the Senate disrepect and ignor us for doing nothing but asking for this 13 addl weeks of jobless benefits because there are NO jobs. I have been going to jobs fairs and submitting resumes for 12mos and nothing. S.1699 MUST be passed ASAP! We re desperate, this country is in a economic CRISIS. We are important when it comes to elections but not now. Sorry we are not the AUTO Industry and we're not CASH for CLUNKERS to which that bill was pushed by the President & BOTH houses passed the bill in 4 days.
The senate doesnt care about us they take home fat paychecks. I bet they laugh when they pass by people living in tent citys. Is this the new standard for america? you mean I worked for 34 years and paid all of the taxes out of my paycheck for immigrants of every country to get theyre green card and get paid cheaper than me and take my job. Real americans who are born here and have many generations here wont stand for this.
Right now i am laid off watching immigrants perform my job straigh b.s.
You know if Obama would take all of the money he used to fly 2 747 airplanes out to try and get the 2016 Olympics in Chicago he could help pay for some of our umemployment benefits. Right now the people in the united states need help and spending the tax payers money in foolish ways right now is not very responsible. But then taxing his family on expense vacations at the tax payers expense isn't either. Come on people, next time use your heads when voting in a newPresident. The people of Michigan voted back in Jennifer Granholm for a second term and she has done this state in.
It's the same OLD STORY. Everyone makes a lot of promises but no one keeps them. Everyone needs to wake up! Every day more and more people are losing their jobs if you think it cant happen to you think again!
For everybody that is fighting or died for our freedoms.. I thank you. That being said...
I wish the people in America(can I still call it that)would wake up. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!! Yes, are government is filled with elite morons and they need to be drug out of D.C by their 1000 dollar suits (I don't care what "party" they belong to, parties are for birthdays and anniversaries!!) We need real working men who know what it means to earn a dollar in Washington... HELLO?? Doesn't anybody get this after all these years and them running are country right in the toilet!! ENOUGH OF THESE !@#$% MORONS!!!
I think a lot of good points are brought up at this forum, but we really need to get together and do something. I know this sounds radical but John Quincy Adams once said it best: " A country needs a bloody revolution every 100 years or so to put the scales of power back into balance." Is anybody out there as sick as I am to what "they've" done to our once great country?!
When we originally applied for our jobs. You know the jobs that we were laid off from, there was a process. The proces for us obtaining those jobs took about 3 months. That is including the company realizing that there is a need all the way to your first day. I am a single mother with two kids. I never really made a lot of money but we survived. I know people, husband and wives who made together over $150000 a year for more than 15 years and they are in the same boat I am having made @ 10 per hour. People don't plan to fail but we do fail to plan. This will pass. It will take time. However, we must admit that a lot of what we are all going through is our own faults. Don't be the problem be the solution. My benefits end this week. What the politicians are dealing with is the aftermath of poor decisions from passed administrations who did not give a darn about the blue collar working class.
Totally Broke, NOBODY should even utter a peep about Obama's travel habits, Bush spent almost 3 years of his presidency at Camp David and the Crawford Ranch combined, 490 days at the Ranch alone!!!
They need to look at making unemployment benefits non-taxable. Regardless of if I get an extension or not I am going to get socked with a huge tax bill at the end of the year because like many other people I couldn't afford to have taxes taken out.
This is just tragic. American families don't have any money in their pockets, are losing their homes, are selling their personal belongings just to make enough money to feed their families for another week. While Senators delay this process by adding "amendments" to the bill. Why didn't they think of their proposed "amendments" a long time ago and introduce it when the bill was introduced instead of waiting for it to get to the Senate and then delay it even further. I wish they could walk a day in our shoes. Let's keep each other in our prayers...that's all we have left.
I wish they would just pass something and go back after that and do add ons and a new updated bill. But do something now to help those of us who have been without benefits since august. While they tiptoe around this they could at least add on back unemployment to make up for the lack of it for over a month.
if they are too busy to enact necessary legislation, let's make sure they don't get re-elected. let's vote ALL of them out of office. we couldn't do worse!!
America wake up! Do not vote for for any one of them in Congress again. Where is our President on this issue? But od course...another excursion to Europe. What if the Americans that he cares so much about (middle class and the poor) are becoming even more poor by eacg day that Congress is dragging their feet? All he cares is Health Care Reform and oh yes, the Olympics in Chicago... What a fiasco, people. We voted him in Office so that he can criss croos the globe while we are becoming homeless..
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