NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) – As thousands of jobless Americans lose their weekly unemployment checks every day, Congress is still debating who should qualify for a benefits extension.
The House passed a bill last month lengthening benefits by 13 weeks for those in high-unemployment states. While Senate leaders said at the time they would act soon, the proposal has languished as Democrats argue over the terms.
Meanwhile, 400,000 people ran out of benefits in September and another 208,000 are set to lose them this month, according to the National Employment Law Project.
Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., is pushing legislation that would lengthen benefits for the jobless nationwide by four weeks. Those in states with unemployment rates greater than 8.5% would receive a total of 17 additional weeks.
From CNN Politics
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So fix it already! After all it is the House and Senate who sent all the decent jobs overseas. If it weren't for NAFTA, we would still have jobs in America.
These democrats can't figure anything out. These poor people are victims of your bad policies and Obama, Pelosi and Reid won't help them.
Let's get these bums out in 2010. Dems and Repubs.
This is why, federal taxes should be low, and states should have more power.
Where are the jobs Obama and Democrats?
Obama's had 8 months now for his stimulus to start creating jobs. In spite of his wild claim that it has produced over a million and working beyond expectations, the economy does nothing but lose more jobs each month. His wild claim is a lie.
If you cant find work, you should just get extended!!! What is the difference between two people in two states who both have worked for 10 years? What makes one person better than the other?
I dont think it's fari. IF you are going to extend, then extended to everyone.
The people we need to start unemploying is our clowns in the Congress from both parties.
The republicans love it when we dont have jobs.The stock market will rise for them.
This is NOT what "we the People" sent you to Washington for! If it's a bad bill, make it better and get it passed! If it's a good bill and the Repugs play games, walk over them and get it passed! This is the same crap we had for 15 years. Lead / follow/ or get out othe way! PERIOD
Wow, they are arguing over this? Yet, they take turns in the Congress with numerous prolcaimations such as "Mountain Climbing Day". I have an idea, instead of unemployment, we should be figuring out ways for EMPLOYMENT! How about getting in the mix and finding ways to get business going? I am a Democrat, but I feel like going to Cap. Hill and kicking someone in the rear for this garbage.
Necissity is the mother of all invention.
It is time for action. Quit stalling!
In my opinion they really don't care. They get paid every week, and they seem to forget about the people they are working for. Come On Guys lets get busy and pass this it is not a stalling matter!
I wonder how many of these people wanting their unemployment benefits extended are the same ones who are screaming and whining about the government's "socialist takeover" of America...
Just a thought!
Extend the benefits for all. Please do not discriminate! I am unemployed but my state do not qualify. However, I need assistance as much as people in other states.
REPUBLICAN ANSWER IS DIE QUICKLY LOL
if you are unemployed just DIE QUICKLY
good luck with that in 2010 election
The unemployment rate in America has increased by 88% since Obama has taken office and it is still increasing. Do not be surprised when it hits 15% nationwide. It is on its way.
Is it at that point that they begin admitting that the stimulus bill will not save or generate jobs? If not, what is that magic number? How high does it get to go?
Probably another masterful move of deception so they will not be counted in the next unemployment figures!
Why is this so tough, these people need help.
Conservatives have not evolved much in the past 5 million years, have they?
Perhaps Mr. Baucus should try unemployment for a year or two – without assets or his favorite K St. banker to keep him in gravy.
You democrats are not helping your poll numbers with all this stalling and trying to placate the right. Do your jobs and the poll numbers will turn in your favor. We elected Democrats not Republicans! Act like it.
And it is only getting worse in the Obama economy. The gutless hidden taxes in the Baucus Healthcare bill will only add to the misery and in my company there will be additional layoffs.
Just think how many more would have lost their jobs if the right wingnuts had their way and destroyed the American Auto Industry.
Way to go Senate. You're so supportive of your constituents needs.
people are not taking lower paying jobs or moving to find work because of these government handouts.
The ones that are really trying, but the bumbs that sit at home, NO MORE
Extend the benefits NOW, and back-bill George Bush for putting us in the toilet in the first place!