Reporting by Donna Smith
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Legislation that would give unemployed workers an additional 13 weeks of jobless benefits advanced in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The House Ways and Means Committee passed the legislation over the objections of some Republicans who pushed for a more limited bill that would have extended jobless benefits only for workers in high unemployment states like Michigan.
The bill, passed on a vote of 23-13, would allow an additional 13 weeks of benefits beyond the 26 weeks offered by most states. The unemployed in states with high jobless rates would get another 13 weeks.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that about 3.5 million jobless Americans will run out of benefits before finding another job this year.
The sluggish economy has become a major issue in the presidential campaign and the jobless benefits bill might be attached to a $100 billion Iraq and Afghanistan war spending bill sought by Bush. More…
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THANK YOU GOD. I CAN EAT NOW AND LIVE INDOORS.
My job was outsourced in 2004 and I have not been able to get a job since so I guess I’m still screwed.
is it really true that there is an extension for 13 weeks i keep hearing different stories
Of course the Senate has to pass it and then you can bet the Smirking Chimp in the White House will veto it. Ah well…..
If the President does not sign this bill many Republican votes will be going to the Democrats in November’s Presidential election. I have the feeling that perhaps the Republicans are waiting to pass it perhaps in the Fall 2008, so they can lure more people to vote for them. Their strategy perhaps is, “why do it now, let’s wait until election time”! It does not take a rocket scientist to figure that out. However, allowing unemployed people to suffer now so they can use this to their advantage as we get closer to the Presidential election will cost them votes - we Americans do not have such a short memory span, as many of our “politicians” in Capitol Hill think. I also would like to add that Obama and Clinton better be present to vote for this bill in the Senate. That is if they still want our votes. I haerd that they their campaigning for the White House has caused them to miss some votes?! Is this true? Please contact your reprsentantives and ask them to support this bill. It is not a done deal yet, so please do remain active on this critical issue.
I have worked like a dog all my life, have paid my taxes, and contributed to the communities I have lived. Only to reach the point that at the age of 47, I have not been able to find a job for almost a year now. And, this with a college education and a lifetime’s experience in management. Something is seriously wrong in our country and we simply need to wake up soon!
Btw, I posted a comment before this and do not see it posted. Would you please explain to me why? Thank you.
I am 37 yrs old and lost my job in September 2007. I have a Master’s degree and also am a veteran. I have applied for over 50 jobs and have had two interviews. I have applied for jobs that pay $9/hr. I lost a $60k a year job and am now reduced to having no employment income. I used my unemployment benefits up in March. I now am forced to leave the state I live in and relocate. I too will have to move in with family. If the extension is not approved-I don’t know what I will do. It is a crying shame that our government will spend billions on a war we can’t win and on a multitude of senseless issues and while watching the citizens of this country face homelessness and despair.
Does anyone know when the Senate is expected to vote on this bill?
I have worked in the media for 33 years, only to have it all taken away in 2008 because of the FCC’s consolidation laws that allow radio and TV stations to slash jobs in the media. I went from a hard earned salary with a home, car, family, children, and grandchildren, to the point where I can’t even get an entry level position.
This economy is in the toilet, and if anyone thinks that we’re not in a recession with the housing market for starters, mired in a war we can’t win, oil possibly hitting $200.00 a barrel by the end of the year, gas prices could top $5.00/gal (which is what is what this war is all about anyway) and with no relief in sight?.
He and his cabinet cronies are so far over their heads and out of touch with reality at 1600 pennsylvania ave (I can’t even say his name anymore.)
God help us because the next person to occupy 1600 pennsylvania ave. on Jan 20th will have a mess on their hands.
The Senate needs to wake up and follow the House’s lead “at they’re working on it” immediately or come re-election time, OR THERE WILL BE A LOT OF EMPTY SEATS THAT SUPERDELGATES INSIDE THE BELTWAY CURRENTLY OCCUPY ON CAPITOL HILL.
It’s too bad we are soooo far away from our roots of “taxation without representation.” We no longer have any say, influence or even a voice on Capitol Hill or the White House regarding any money issues, unless it’s somthing they can pander themselves with. They can shovel bushels of cash to US’s 51st State in IRAQ, while we’re in a major hole here, AND they will wait until November to launch a job benefit bill that could help 3.5 Million households that THEY KNOW will remain jobless????? And ALL because it’s about their vote??????????????????
Forget about not having faith in our judicial system - why isnt more said about our political system????????????????
i am 65, am being forced into early retirement because i cannot find a jobk, however my retirement will not supply me with shelter and food,,,,,unemployment benefits up, congress will not give us and additional 13 weeks so we can survive,,,o well, maybe the ids in sout africa, and oprah, wll keep them going..at least…did south africa make her wealthy or the usa,,,,and lets spend more money in our51st state