Senate Republicans block extension of unemployment benefits

[marmar]

Senate Republicans Block Plan to Expand U.S. Economic Stimulus

By Alison Fitzgerald

Feb. 7 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Senate blocked a $156 billion economic stimulus measure that would extend unemployment benefits and give tax rebates to more people than envisioned in a House-passed measure supported by President George W. Bush.

Democrats fell one vote short of the 60 needed to overcome Republican objections and move to final action on the legislation. Eight Republicans joined all the Democrats in supporting the Senate Finance Committee's stimulus plan.

Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois returned from the campaign trail for the Senate's vote. Arizona's John McCain, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, was the only senator who didn't vote. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will try to persuade one more Republican to switch and allow a vote on the measure, said his spokesman, Jim Manley.

``He's working hard to pick up one or two more votes,'' Manley said.

Republicans who opposed the plan said the Senate Finance Committee last week added provisions that might bring a Bush veto.

``The president has made it clear that he doesn't want that extension of unemployment benefits,'' Republican Senator John Thune said. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a.i._3qikpFQ&refer=home

[Hugabear]

1. This has been their plan all along

They wanted to offer up a plan that they knew damned well that we couldn't go along with. Then, when we add on provisions to help the unemployed and elderly, they block it, and run screaming that the Democrats are the ones holding up the "stimulus" bill.

[bdamomma]

2. SOB's they block everything.

again, it's more for me and less for the American people.

[bdamomma]

3. ..................

this comment:

``The president has made it clear that he doesn't want that extension of unemployment benefits,'' Republican Senator John Thune said. ......(more)



* can f off.

[TwilightGardener]

4. John Thune is such a towel boy for the administration. Well, the President

made it clear! The President has spoken! Must not question the President! He's a shallow, ignorant show pony, that Thune. Used to be my Congressman.

[bdamomma]

6. Thune must of signed the * Loyalty Act.

instead of protecting the Constitution. Geez, I hate these people.

[atreides1]

5. His constituents don't count I guess

So I wonder how the voters in South Dakota feel, knowing that this man does what the President wants without regard for his constituents or their needs?

What a jerk, he'll obey his lord and master but will piss on the people who elected him.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

7. Both candidates should be talking about this loud and clear. nt

[VP505]

8. Not just the candidates

but all the Democratic Senators and Congress critters, it should be said every time the MSM sticks a microphone in their face.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

10. I mentioned the candidates as they have microphones now all the time. Not that MSM will report it

though, but one can hope.

[sinkingfeeling]

9. Hey, but they got the 'rebates' for those couples over $300K and that's what they are paid to do.

[VP505]

11. What really

pisses me off about this other than how shitty it is for those in need of that extension is that Reid will allow it to be used as a bargaining chip for telecom immunity.