Republican filibuster doesn't stop unemployment benefits extension anymore

Tuesday, a Republican filibuster stopped in Senate with the unemployment benefits. Since May when the issue started being discussed, 2 million Americans lost unemployment benefits. The U.S. unemployment rate is stuck at 9.5 percent. Despite the fact that jobs aren't available, five times more people than available jobs are looking for work. Democrats think the economy will do better with longer unemployment benefits. Some Republicans say unemployment benefits discourage people from looking for jobs.

Republican filibuster no longer controls unemployment benefits

60-40 was voted by Senate to stop the filibuster by Republicans on unemployment benefits. Carte Goodwin was sworn in as the West Virginia new Democratic senator and then the vote was taken. The New York Times reports that even after the vote, Democrats accused Republicans of needlessly stalling the unemployment extension by using their procedural power to delay the vote by one more day rather than allow final consideration. Republicans argue that Democrats only wanted to extend unemployment benefits as the plan to create jobs and lower the unemployment rate failed.

Through November, unemployment benefits extend

Until November, unemployment benefits will all continue, including those who had their benefits end. USA Today reports the House could pass the bill Wednesday and send it to President Obama for signing. If the bill's $ 33.9 billion price tag would be balanced with cutting the budget in other areas, Republicans would be more likely to support the bill. Obama believes that Republicans are just putting spending "on the backs of the unemployed" rather than trying to cut taxes for the wealthy.

Recovering the economy with unemployment benefits

The Congressional Budget Office says extending jobless benefits, which average nearly $ 310 a week, is probably the most efficient way for government policymakers to stimulate a weak economy. Unemployment benefits will end up going towards things like rent where it is a basic necessity. According to the CBO, each $ 1 spent on benefits generates 70 cents to $ 1.90 in economic growth.

Political divide gets stronger

After so much personal involvement from Obama in passing the unemployment extension, Republicans are way less likely to help him pass any kind of bill. It would be impossible for Obama to pass anything else before November elections after Tuesday's vote which made political divisions stronger than ever, reports the Los Angeles Times. Democrats nevertheless want to promote job creation.

Unemployed Americans feeling tossed around

Democrats are hoping job creation and economic recovery is right around the corner with November elections nearing. Numerous hope democrats will lose control of Congress with the November elections.

Sources for the article

New York Times

nytimes.com/2010/07/21/us/politics/21jobs.html?ref=us

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/economy/employment/2010-07-21-1Ajobless21_ST_N.htm

Los Angeles Times

articles.latimes.com/2010/jul/20/nation/la-na-jobless-20100721