They have done it 3 times, succeeding the last time because Robt. Byrd was no longer in the Senate to make up the 60 votes needed to prevent a Republican filibuster. Two Republicans even joined the Democrats to support passage of the jobless aid extension; Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine.
According to the Associated Press, 1.3 million people unemployed for more than 6 months have already lost their jobless checks averaging around $300 weekly.
Every week now 200,000 more Americans will lose unemployment benefits. Those out of work might spend the 4th of July weekend wondering why the GOP could spend billions for Geo. W. Bush’s Iraq War, but not help them put food on their table.
The only part of this issue for which Republicans joined Democrats was passing a bill allowing tax breaks to companies that hire unemployed workers. It seems the only way the individual can benefit is if Big Business is given a better deal.
When West Virginia’s Governor Joe Manchin III, a Democrat, appoints a replacement for Byrd, a Democrat, the legislation is likely to pass. Until then, you folks without jobs will no doubt start thinking about just which political party you will support in November.
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