(CNN) – The Senate is set to consider a bill Tuesday that would extend the deadline to file for unemployment benefits through the end of November.
Senate GOP leaders have blocked a vote several times, highlighting deficit concerns by arguing that any benefits extension should be offset by spending cuts.
Democrats are counting on the seating Tuesday of the replacement for Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia to break the logjam.
Byrd passed away last month.
From CNN Politics
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Think about it: Republicans are arguing to increase the deficit by another trillion or so dollars in tax breaks for the rich ... but are opposed to a comparative measly 34 billion dollars to extend unemployment insurance for millions of out-of-work Americans.
Not to mention, I haven't seen any republican leadership or ideas on how to create jobs ... just the old "cut taxes – cut spending" – but no plan there either.
Republicans are concerned as to where the money is going to come from to pay for this. I have an idea. Why don't we end those Bush tax cuts for the wealthy? Oh, we can't take money from epopel who have money and help those that don't. Maybe God would do that but the republicans won't.
The GOP's main position against extending the UE payments, was to insist they be paid for, yet offered no way to do that, other than taking it out of Stimulus funds. The Dems know that the Stimulus funds are designed to help create the jobs, that the unemployed are looking to find. But the GOP really has no interest in those unemployed, they are not likely to vote Republican in any case.
They need to extend benefits. i have been taxpayer for 30 yrs have no job for over a year and had to apply for welfare benefits. its so not fair to have millions of people with no money. I hope they pass this today.
GOP's deficit concern could better be addressed by voting against corporate welfare, rather than of slamming the unemployed.