–House Vote Approving UI Benefit Bill 272 to 152
–House Republicans Say Bill Should Be Offset
–House Majority Leader: UI Benefits Are ‘An Emergency’
–Rep. Hoyer: Should Pass UI Bill, Then Deal With Budget Deficit
By John Shaw
WASHINGTON (MNI) – The House Thursday passed legislation that would
extend unemployment insurance benefits through Nov. 30. and make the
extension retroactive to June 2 to cover those whose benefits had
expired.
The House approved the bill on a 272 to 152 vote.
The Senate passed the same bill Wednesday on a 59 to 39. vote.
Since the two chambers have approved an identical version of the
bill it will now go to President Obama for his signature.
Obama has said that he is eager to sign the bill.
Most House Republicans opposed the bill, saying it should be offset
by tapping unused stimulus funds.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said that extending UI benefits
fills a critical economic and humanitarian need and should not require
offsets.
“We have an emergency,” he said.
Hoyer said a full discussion of fiscal issues is appropriate and
necessary, but should not occur in the context of an unemployment
insurance bill.
“We need to put everything on the table — no sacred cows,” Hoyer
said, referring to a future debate on fiscal issues.
** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MFU$$$,MCU$$$]
