extended benefits, finally...

Finally, GOP Joins the Dems to extend Unemployment Benefits!

from Firedoglake:

Moments ago, the Senate gave final passage on a bill that would extend unemployment benefits in all states for an additional 14 weeks, with 6 weeks on top of that for the most hard-hit states. The vote was 98-0. Earlier today cloture was passed on the bill by a whopping 97-1 count (only Jim DeMint voted no), but a final vote was expected on Thursday. A deal was reached to speed up that process a bit.

However, this does not exonerate Republicans for spending weeks holding up the bill, trying to attach unrelated amendments and denying unanimous consent to bring the bill to the floor. In that time, hundreds of thousands of Americans saw their unemployment benefits run out, and found themselves with no sustaining income.

The final bill added $20 billion in business tax breaks and an inefficient and poorly targeted homebuyer tax credit to the bill, to partner with an unemployment extension that cost only $2 billion. The entire bill is paid for (but that revenue could have been put to use on better things than business tax breaks and the homebuyer credit). The unemployment benefits, at least, will offer a small economic stimulus to the country.

This odyssey over getting the unemployed a benefits extension is an ominous warning for anyone who thinks that health care will pass smoothly once it hits the Senate floor.

You're damn right the rethugs should pay for their obvious obstruction and delay of this bill! Isn't it clear to you the rethugs in Congress don't give 2 shits about whether or not you get your bills paid on time or you have food on your table! If they cared they would NOT have delayed this vote! AND as for Harry Reid, come on Harry, you have got to do a better job! Progressives are losing patience with panty wipe Dems! Come on Mr. President, are you listening!