By: T. Cahill
Washington, D.C. (Jun 15) – C-Span reports that the Senate is expected to continue debating the pros and cons of the Tax Extenders legislation, H.R. 4213 on June 14. However, this $140 billion package that includes tax extensions and “social safety-net benefits” is likely to last throughout the week if just one (1) Republican does not step forward and support a cloture vote, along with the underlying bill.
H.R. 4213 needs 60 votes in order to end debate on the bill, head back to the House and be ratified. Unfortunately, all is not going well in the Senate as the GOP is doing what they do best, agreeing and then reneging on their word. As H.R. 4213 returned from the House with the American Jobs and Tax Loopholes Act amendment, the GOP turned tailcoat and are stalling the much-needed unemployment extensions relief and more.
The reason is simple. The extensions need to be paid for and the method to do so was to either use emergency spending or fund via monies recaptured from TARP. TARP as a painful reminder is the billions of dollars squandered on the big businesses that put the country in the mess it is in now. Repayment of TARP monies could be used to fund the continued survival of America’s unemployed.
The GOP wants to use Stimulus monies, earmarked for the creation of jobs. In addition, they balk at the addition of closing tax loopholes for the rich that allow businesses to ship our American jobs overseas. Big money speaks again.
The first House Bill was shot down by Senator Bunning. The new version was actually agreed to by the GOP and sent back to the House for funding yet the GOP is now opposing the very bill they pushed back to the House in the first place.
Again, the argument has been how will we pay for this, and the answer is simple. By closing the tax loophole granted by the past administration to allow the fat cats to ship jobs Americans should be filling overseas and using recaptured TARP monies. However, therein lies the trouble. The GOP will not stand idly by and allow the rich to lose this “business advantage”. With the current American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, this would be the end of that gravy train for the rich.
It also is very clear that the “30 days at a time” is not working. Extending unemployment benefits, COBRA, and the entire bill to the end of the year has been, and continues to be, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s objective. He stands in good company with plenty of support in both the House and Senate, along with President Obama himself. Leaving the jobless hanging from month-to-month is no way to run a country.
So it comes down to the simple yet obvious. Vote to help millions of Americans in immediate and dire straits, bring jobs back to our shores so that unemployment becomes unnecessary or keep these much needed jobs offshore and allow the rich to continue to grow richer.
Person’s of interest to contact would be the Senate Minority Leader, along with Senators Snowe of Maine, and Senator Scott of Massachusetts. The need is clear, for one Republican to step up and do the right thing. These three individuals are contact points unemployed citizens must reach out to if there is a hope that this bill makes it out of the Senate.
Serious inquiries to the above may hold the sway necessary to get the bill passed. Crazy people, or those who choose to rant and rave and, in their own way cause further confusion and obstruction, need not assist.
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T. Cahill
June 15, 2010 at 3:25 pm
(In reply to the trackback that also asks a question surprisingly enough)
As of yesterday, yep. As to will it work out, if I only knew the answer to that I would run for President…!
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Christine Nelson
June 15, 2010 at 6:21 am
Come on Republican’s why do you want to keep giving the rich money and help them out. What about all the people who have worked very hard and now have nothing because they lost their jobs? What happen to supporting the people? The people who vote. Stop sending jobs overseas!! I am one of those people who lost everything. My home, my job, and wondering how am I going to live. With no unemployment benefits to help me thru till I can find a job is not good business. If you do not pass this bill there will be many Americans who will lose everything that they worked so hard for. They have their families to thank about. And what are you doing? Going to a nice home without a worry in the world. Do you worry about feeding your family? Or how you are going to pay for that prescription that you need? Support the Americans and stop delaying on passing this bill. We the Americans need this more than anything right now. So stop with all this debating and pass this bill!!
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T. Cahill
June 15, 2010 at 4:12 pm
This is pure conjecture on my part, but here it is anyway. During the last administration, like a magician trick, where was a majority of our (the citizens of this country) attention (forced) to turn to… right overseas but in this case wabbit hunting. So, and I’m guilty of this myself, much of what went on slipped right under our noses. With our radar tuned to “look over here”, the other hand was playing games with the fabric of American life.
As responsible citizens we must never let our guard down again. As boring as it is (I swear they do it intentionally LOL!) watch C-SPAN – both the House and the Senate.
Let’s all stop getting our news from 15 second sound bites from loonies on TV. C-SPAN.org even has the means for you to open a little window and using either headphones or your speakers gives you the eagle eye view of the actual Senate floor. You get to hear everyone as they speak, not fabrications later that “make for good ratings” but (sorry it’s true) places like Fox are not giving you an accurate portrayal – see for yourself. Watch them yourself (the “royal” yourself) and this way nothing and no one can fool you.
We’ve become (and hopefully do not remain) a nation that wants its news in quick little sound bites, when reality is that what goes on in Washington IS slow, and painful to watch, but accurate and factual.
Oh and no of course they don’t worry about feeding themselves or family members, plus there are nice fat pensions and benefits awaiting them even long after they have come and gone.
Sorry, climbing down off my soapbox now.
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Terrie
June 16, 2010 at 9:31 am
What is going on here! Dont the Senate understand unemployment is just as important as a natural disaster? I am concerned about the oil leak no doubt about it, but I am more concerned feeding my family and avoid being kicked out of our home. Let BP pay those people they have taken a living from and let the government take care of people like my husband and I who have both been laid off in this wonderful state of Michigan! Lets quit repariing countries and adding to them if we can not take care of our own American people. We paid our taxes and been there to support our country, now its time for our country to support us in this time of need. They have been debating this since Memorial Weekend, let them go without food and water since then and see just how happy they are and how quick that vote would go through. How can you sleep at night knowing the American people are going to bed starving adn wondering where they are going to live. WAKE UP and do your job! I’ll tell you what next time I will make sure I really consider who I am voting for and whether or not they are going to feed me1
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A W
June 16, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Amen, Amen and Amen again to your comment. I’m very glad that I am not the only one feeling that way. Call Me Crazy, but I feel like it is a very crafty filibuster that the GOP has going on. Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t BP just say that they are going to dish out some 20 Billion dollars to help in regards to the oil leak disaster so why are, seemingly, GOP members still asking for help. It’s on almost every news station that your going to get help. Why are you still griping. I’ll tell you why, because they are slyly Filibustering against Unemployment Extentions by constantly harping on The Oil Crisis. I’m on to them. The GOP is protecting the rich come hell or high water and to hell with you if your not rich. But Again, Call Me Crazy
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John
June 16, 2010 at 10:48 am
this is the same reason I am on unemployment in the first place, my job was shipped overseas. Now they are playing cat and mouse with the bill. I was told to continue to claim my benefits, I would usually get my check by friday, but guess what I need to use my credit cards until then. This is not fair. I must have sent out 500 job applications the most i got is a second interview. This sucks
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olaf bode (olaf)
June 15, 2010 at 7:10 am
I would rather have MICKY MOUSE run this country than any of these inept clowns in DC.
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Jackie Frey
June 15, 2010 at 7:35 am
I am a 43 year old mom, who has worked for the same company for 18 years.
I only received my 26 weeks of unemployment, plus one short extension. Early in the month I was told 2x times that I had 13 more weeks under Pennsylvania emergency unemployment coming to me. Now that Pennsylvania has an unemployment rate that is below 10% suppposedly, that funding was pulled. I found out overnight that I do not have any money coming in. Just like that. If Pennsylvania’s unemployment has dropped than why arent there any jobs. I have sent out tons of resumes and filled out lots of applications and have received no responses to any of them.
I have been out of work since last July. I am a college grad, with lots of experience and an excellent work history, but unable to find a job. How can the government just pull the rug out from underneath us? I have paid in for 18 years of just one job, not to mention all the others. Supposedly I missed a deadline by a couple of days.
Come on..Replublican senators do not let us down. Please get this resolved before the week is up. You took a two week vacation for the Memorial Day holiday, (something most of us will not get this year) and its now June 15th, lets get this decided, we American’s need your support!!!!
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T. Cahill
June 15, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Hi Jackie! Here in Nevada they don’t have any State funds set aside, typical of this State, and extremely unnerving and frustrating. Next week will be my husband’s last check unless the Senate gets up off its behind and does the right thing.
Be sure to contact the hold outs. No use wasting time contacting individuals who are all for helping their fellow citizens.
It is clear where the obstruction is coming from – and let us all not forget that come November.
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C. Frazier
June 16, 2010 at 9:28 am
I agree. I had $57 left in my account and I missed the May 29, 2010 deadline as well. What am I suppose to do for income to pay rent and eat, let alone energy bill in the Texas heat? Come on guys, we are in dire need of this assistance. We have families that consist of elderly individuals as well as small children!!!!Please Help.
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John
June 16, 2010 at 10:27 am
I am a father of 4 kids/ married.I lost my job after 14 years do to clossing down. iam only 37 NOW my ui extensions are out iam only on tier 1 . I did not no. I just got my last check balance of 000. I called an was told there was nothing for me .So 4 kids no Job no money Iam sick.. I Dont know what to do but cry when no ones around PLEASE HELP YOUR OWN COUNTRY.
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karen cuevas
June 15, 2010 at 9:05 am
Please entend unemployment beyond 99 weeks, we are now without money for two weeks. Thank yoy.
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T. Cahill
June 15, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Hi Karen, I hope you’re following this very carefully because even when (I’m looking on the positive side) it passes, there is nothing – and never has been – that extends anything beyond 99 weeks. That’s just a nasty rumor started by questionable “sources” online. It was never, I repeat never, part of this Bill.
As for what anyone who received 99 weeks – and this bill helps ensure those currently receiving get the same benefits those that did get 99 weeks received – yet still cannot find a job are suppose to do, I haven’t a clue.
I would recommend putting your application/resume into as many temporary employment agencies as possible. Then call daily and literally hound them into finding you work. Money is money. Maybe even be willing to pull up stakes and move if need be… We are.
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Karen Hayward-King
June 16, 2010 at 9:27 am
That is a really important point that you make, T Chahill. Get those resumes into as many temporary employment agencies as you can … those places are where the jobs are right now. In fact, many sources have told us, that going the temp route is the way that companies are finding their permanent staff. It’s the ‘try before you buy’ thing.
I think you also need to be prepared to ‘pull up stakes and move if need be’ …that is what we are having to do. However, that opens up a whole new can of worms, especially if you have depleted all your savings because of being unemployed. Unemployment and other govt agencies will tell you that they ‘do not help those that make a personal choice to relocate.’
I really wish they would all pull their heads out of their fundamental orifices (I put it politely!!!) and realise that people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own … have had difficulty finding a job in their area … have bills to pay and/or families to feed …usually aren’t making a chaice that they want to make, when they take a job that is out of state or out of their area. Who really wants to leave their friends, family, the life they have made and their support system behind ??
However most of us that are contemplating moving, are doing so because we are between the devil and the deep blue sea. We either take that out of state/area job, or we are on the streets starving !!! Some ‘personal choice’ huh !!!
I too am in NV. Here it is really bad. April’s jobless rate stood at 13.7%, so it may be even higher now. We rank first in the nation when it comes to people out of work. I wish that those that are still lucky enough to be employed, would realise, that they may only be a heartbeat away from joining our ranks…. and that having a good paying, professional job, is no guarantee. In fact, you may be at higher risk..
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scott
June 15, 2010 at 9:31 am
Author you are clearly pushing your own agenda and bais against the republicans when it is also the “blue dog” democrates that don’t support this bill with out a way to pay for it. Your article is nothing more than propaganda and irresponsible reporting.
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T. Cahill
June 15, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Hi Scott, sorry to correct you but the direct quote from C-Span itself was
“Senate Continues Consideration Of Tax Extenders
Today (which was June 14th btw)
The Senate is expected to continue consideration of tax extenders legislation (HR 4213), a $140 billion package of tax extensions and social safety-net benefits. The Senate will likely spend the majority of the week on the legislation, but it is unclear whether Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has the 60 votes necessary to cut off debate on the bill. He needs at least one Republican to support a cloture vote and the underlying bill. ”
So, no I have no agenda other than to report the truth. Sorry if it doesn’t sit well with you.
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Doug
June 16, 2010 at 8:46 am
I have to agree with Scott on some points. Nobody knows whats going to happen NOT EVEN CONGRESS!!!!
I am in NJ and i have called Senator Menendez’s office and they said that they are aware of us 99′ers and they will support any bill that comes up for us. It’s just finding the right person with the balls to actually bring it up! Jim McDermott had a meeting on this last week but I haven’t heard what came about.
T. Cahill you say that your pulling up your stakes and moving? Well it must be nice to actually have the money to relocate!!!! Us other people are barely making it buying bread & milk!
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T. Cahill
June 16, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Hi Doug, H.R. 4213 has NEVER had anything to do with 99 weekers. I also think you may be putting your own hopes into what McDermott was talking about – the use of the term “long-term unemployed”. Maybe they will do something, maybe they won’t. But right now 4213 is all about extending weeks for those who have not yet received their full 99 weeks the way many have.
With luck, yes, maybe they will look outside the box and see what’s really going on, but again H.R. 4213 does not apply to 99ers.
Also I infer that IF NECESSARY my family would, yes indeed, move should my husband be able to find a job outside of Nevada. My mother always said if you have a job you have a place to live. So yes, I’d find the financial means to get there – heck a garage sale and not taking all our furniture and going bare bones to the next living arrangement would be on my agenda. Small truck rental and gas, with a job on the other end, we’d find a way.
It would be the only common sense thing to do, I think you would agree, yes?
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Mr. Mason
June 22, 2010 at 8:51 am
Steve your an uninformed
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Matt Schwartz
June 15, 2010 at 10:41 am
I say good luck getting it! Responsible and GOP are not synonymous terms. In fact, they are more oxymoronic than anything.
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T. Cahill
June 15, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Hi Matt, you know if it wasn’t so darn scary, your comment would make me laugh. Well to be honest I did at first, but again we both know how desperately serious this whole business really is…
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Sue Ledy
June 15, 2010 at 12:28 pm
how do i contact the Senate Minority Leader, Senators Snowe of Maine, and Senator Scott of Massachusetts.
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T. Cahill
June 15, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Hi Sue! Go to http://www.senate.gov and all the contact information is on that website, plus access to their individual websites. For instance, Senator Snowe’s website is most likely snowe.senate.gov (now I do suggest you look it up, but it’s a fairly straightforward process, even using a search engine would give you the information and access you need).
Thanks for asking!
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A
June 16, 2010 at 1:52 pm
-Senate Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio -
-Senator Olympia J. Snowe of Maine -
-Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts -
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OculusDexter
June 15, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Believe me, I understand the pain and uncertainty of unemployment, I’ve been there, and know what it is to wonder how I was going to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table, but I would like to suggest a scenario and ask what the proper course of action is.
Since unemployment payments are only a partial replacement of salary, I am assuming that most unemployed people cut their budgets when their income went down. Perhaps you stopped eating out, or cut off the cable and went back to the rabbit ears, perhaps you even sold your second car to get rid of the car payment and are driving the older car in the garage that is paid off.
With almost ten percent of the Amewrican people unemployed, income to governments at all levels is way down, more than ten percent ($2.4 trillion in 2006 vs. $2.1 trillion in 2009). Should not the government, like individuals have to do, be spending less, not more? Should they not be cutting programs instead of adding new ones?
This year, the federal government has spent the $2.1 trillion it received, PLUS another $1.4 trillion it does not have. Where is that $1.4 trillion going to come from? There are only three choices–they can print it, which causes runaway inflation, or they can borrow it, which depresses the recovery by drawing capital away from businesses that need it to expand and hire workers, or they can raise the income tax rate on everyone who pays taxes by another two-thirds.
If your adjusted gross income was $30,000 last year you paid about $4500 in tax. in order for the U.S. government to pay its bills at its current rate of spending, you need to pay an ADDITIONAL $3000–can you afford that?
Most GOP lawmakers end up voting for these bills, but along the way, they’re just saying let’s look at how we’re going to pay for it. How should the unemployment payments be paid for?
BTW – just for the sake of accuracy, you didn’t “pay in” to unemployment, your employer did. And the portion the employer paid for covered your unemployment checks for your first 26 weeks only. Everything after that, the entire bill is being paid for by the taxpayers.
Not trying to be cruel because as I said, I can directly relate to your situation, but someone needs to ask some commonsense questions about all the insane spending the government is doing.
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Mr. Mason
June 22, 2010 at 9:15 am
The government systematically inflates the economy for the benefit of lobbying business interests, so why not for the people who deserve it? And to say a worker doesn’t pay into unemployment is wrong, labor is a form of payment, thats why its exchanged for capitol numbnuts. .
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Jarred S
June 15, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Hi Ms. Cahill, I was wondering if you were familiar with the political procedures needed to get this bill passed. I understand the 60 votes would prevent a filibuster from any senator that wishes to resume the debate. However, there technically only needs to be a majority (51 votes). So, does a filibuster simply serve as a delay tactic or does it have the power to kill the bill altogether? Is it just a matter of when the opposed senator(s) blinks and allows the passing of the bill? Thank you for any information you can provide.
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T. Cahill
June 16, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Hi Jarred, you are right. The area concerning cloture is a tad confusing. What I should have written is:
If cloture is not approved (and what would normally happen if it does not look like it will make it, Reid will vote no to keep it alive) then, debates could continue however, if they do vote in favor of cloture after the 72 hours, even 51 votes is enough to get the bill out of the Senate…. Now, since a cloture vote has been called for, the Senate will take up other business in the meantime…. I guess it keeps them busy…..
Thanks for helping me keep things straight :)
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gary
June 15, 2010 at 5:22 pm
there are 370,00 plus people unemployed in the state of Nevada and I being one of them, I strongly feel that Senator Reid has done nothing to help the unemployed people of his state (Nevada) or across the country…the Unemployed people of nevada need to rally together and send a message to Senator Reid…The unemployed need help including does how exhausted their benefits (the 99ers)We lost our jobs though no fault of our own, Congress is very well aware that the Unemployment Benefits are Life-line’s to many unemployed….I know Senator Reid will not get my vote come the fall elections and if the other 369,999 unemployed people of Nevada send Senator Reid the same message, just maybe he might try to help the people of his state and across the country, You would think Senator Reid will try to do more for Nevada since its has the 2nd highest unemployment rate in the country(13.7 percent) and the city of las vegas has an 14.1 percent unemployment rate. People we need to send a message to Congress….if they can bail out ‘wall street” they MUST bail out “main street america), Its time for Congress to do the right thing
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T. Cahill
June 16, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Hi Gary! Living in Nevada I share your frustration. However, what Senator Reid is doing is everything as a single person that can be done so that the remainder of them do NOT forget. Granted it’s politics and instead of just straightforwardly going about business it appears they must “go the long route” to keep this alive. Also, the Majority Leader has called numerous times for a vote only to do shut down. Hence the political “wrangling” so to speak. If not this bill could die a quick death on the floor.
Remember, it’s not as if just one person can say, “Hey this one state is a mess, we’re fixing just this one state.” Each and every one of them wants something for their constituents.
Parlimentary procedure is fine, but perhaps what is needed is a more “21st century” approach to “parlimentary rules” – that might help them all get a move on.
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Vega2262
June 15, 2010 at 7:06 pm
This stupid bill has got my mortgage tied up because I cant get flood insurance. I am a registered republican who is more center/independent. I will NEVER support the republian party again if someone doesn’t pass bill this week. I am so tired of these closted racist trying to stop anything Obama tries to do. Thousands of people are in limbo because of the games these people are playing. I was watching CSPAN today and congressmen take more breaks than an unemployed person does. We PAY for THIS???? They can’t make decisions and want to VOTE to decide its time to VOTE??? What that about???
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HR James
June 15, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Fellow Republicans,
Americans are aware of the heavy weight placed upon the shoulders of our entrusted public servants and their families. We support your noble efforts and good intentions in the business of exercise voting authority on behalf of the people. Ensuring the creation of jobs and (responsibly) paying for unemployment are good goal points, but everyone is aware that no one gets everything they want. Therefore be realistic and compromise on a fair meeting point, I personally think Sen. Max Baucus has reached that balance with his proposal.
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Jamie
June 15, 2010 at 8:57 pm
What happened to the American Dream and the integrity of its people??? We built this country and made it strong with the contributions of all Americans working together. I really think our government and officials are being bought out by lobbyists and the fat cats on Main Street and large corporations by accepting bribe money, in other words. It is not about what you and I believe in anymore. If you’re like me, all of my dreams have been crushed within the last couple of years. I never had a whole lot, but I worked hard for what I did have. They are only concerned with being re-elected and to stay on the good side of big banks and big oil and the like! United we stand-divided we fall. Well at least the saying goes…that the bigger you are, the harder you fall. Cause what goes around comes around. What is happening is plain cruel to the little guy that has taken the hit-AGAIN!
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jack holley
June 15, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Do these people not realize that unemployed families are hanging on this vote. I am going to have to get food stamps and more if this doesn’t hurry up. I have been a tax paying republican for 45 years and the first time I need help I have exausted my 26 weeks. Just a little help. I never dreamed I would be in this situition.
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olaf bode (olaf)
June 16, 2010 at 5:37 am
I am so tiered of hearing all the heart breaking stories of peoples who are down and out it did not happen to them without a willfull action of congress years ago when they decided that GREED and POWER is more importend than the wellbeing of A NATION.TO BAD we are at the mercy of the poeple that we ELECTED!IT is so sad that this countryis in a perpetual war with anyone.america needs to think about america THAT’s when hopefully we get back to being a free country again.don’t hold your breath.you know what is happening.to bad we tell everyone what to and we can’t keep our own house in order.
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olaf bode (olaf)
June 16, 2010 at 5:46 am
I am so tiered of hearing all the heart breaking stories of peoples who are down and out it did not happen to them without a willfull action of congress years ago when they decided that GREED and POWER is more importend than the wellbeing of A NATION.TO BAD we are at the mercy of the poeple that we ELECTED!IT is so sad that this countryis in a perpetual war with anyone.america needs to think about america THAT’s when hopefully we get back to being a free country again.don’t hold your breath.you know what is happening.to bad we tell everyone what to do and we can’t keep our own house in order.
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olaf bode (olaf)
June 16, 2010 at 6:11 am
at a time like this it is sad to see that this country does not or want not to make this AMERICA. money and power is the root of everything that is wrong in this world. AMERICA needs to come homee and care about their people first.people lose everything and congress with their FAT budgegts laugh at all of us because they are not UNEMPLOYED.
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Carl jackson
June 16, 2010 at 8:26 am
Give me a break, all they are doing is hurting us. I have continued to look for a job since being “let go” in September from a 3 year job. I need the extension to unemployment to survive. I look for a job everyday and can’t hardley do that now because i have no income.
What they are doing is making every excuse to debate this for days on end. Its time to vote out nut jobs like Reid and Hatch. The republicans should be ashamed…they all drag thier feet while the workers of America suffer.
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Larry
June 16, 2010 at 8:40 am
Both sides are to blame for this, the house should never have included unemployment extended benefits in a bill they knew to be would be debated in the Senate. And the Senate knew the unemployment deadlines, and decided to go home for memorial day weekend, instead of dealing with it before hand. Both Sides are using us the American unemployed as pawns in there political chess game to get what they want..
And whats worse is both sides seem not to understand that this is not an acceptable practice ! They are sitting there looking at every one saying ( What did we do wrong ) they have no clue. I’m more than just a little mad.. What a Crock
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Larry
June 16, 2010 at 8:52 am
I tried to pawn my Guitar practice amp, it’s 100 dollars new. And a very nice one. The Pawn shop offered me 20 bucks. Normally I can get 50 or 60 for it. But because so many people are also pawning things the price has gone down considerable..
Of course I’m voting in November, But they are scared of the vote, they know if they lose they will just be employed by one of their friends.. Watch that happen time and time again in my life time. That’s also why they don’t cross party lines..
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Larry
June 16, 2010 at 9:07 am
( Correction )
I tried to pawn my Guitar practice amp, it’s 100 dollars new. And a very nice one. The Pawn shop offered me 20 bucks. Normally I can get 50 or 60 for it. But because so many people are also pawning things the price has gone down considerable..
Of course I’m voting in November, But they are not scared of the vote, they know if they lose, they will just be employed by one of their friends.. I’ve Watched that happen time and time again in my life time. That’s also why they don’t cross party lines.. For if they do their friends won’t hire them after they are voted out.
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Thomas Regnier
June 16, 2010 at 9:22 am
The Republicans bailed out the banks and that was an needed rescue to the system but there was no follow up and many are still in the business of poor strategies.
Citi is cutting services to good customers and Chase is the place if you want a different answer every day and a bank that is out of control.As such why would we expect the Republican party to come up with consisant plan to help the general population or the unemployed?
Why is it so hard to have one plan for the same duration for all citizens equally that is not tied into many other unrelated bills? This bill should have been signed sealed and delivered on 6/1 and congress should focus on saving our countries coast line!
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shockedandappaled
June 16, 2010 at 11:20 am
I can’t get over the fact that they are basically driving the unemployed people to live on the streets or commit crimes to survive. This is what our world is coming too. I am a single mom, lost my job in November my employer fought my unempolyment and won, this after 16 weeks of waiting. I lost my home, my car, and to top it all off they say that there are agencies out there to assist you! HAHAHAHA that is laughable! I can’t tell you how many agencies I went to to ask for help for them all to tell me I live above my means and they can’t help with rental assistance for me. Because I have done well for myself they shut me and my family out. OF course even our WELFARE system is biased I have worked for 20+ years paying for other peoples children that won’t get off their lazy asses to go to work and when I am begging for help they tell you that you made to much money! WHAT AT JOKE!! I have never had to beg for anything but I guess I need to learn how. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HURRY AND PASS THIS BILL!!!
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A
June 16, 2010 at 1:46 pm
I’m watching this Joker Jeff Sessions from Alabama talking, correction, filibustering about Elena Kagan’s nomination, 1 person, while millions of people are unemployed and struggling. He’s been doing it all week. I don’t know why I am so surprised because that’s what a GOP Senator does when they are trying to protect the rich. Like John Travolta called it in the movie Swordfish, “Misdirection”. And he is supposed to be a Christian. Well Mr. Sessions since you claim to be a Christian please remember what Psalms 41:1 says, “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.” But God doe not like ugly. He says vengeance is mine.
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John
June 16, 2010 at 2:17 pm
There were only 45 votes for HR 4213 in the senate today. What this means is that the Democrats turned Benedict Arnold as well.
Before I lost my job, I donated the maximum to the Obama campaign and volunteered my time as well. Now I regret that mistake. The Democrats are the same as the Republicans.
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T. Cahill
June 16, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Hi John, this was a “test vote” and yes one has to wonder what the heck is going on. I’ve made numerous calls to press offices – without success in finding a solid answer. As soon as I do I will be reporting on it.
My GUESS is that while the GOP is all for some of the amendments the one “holding up the show” is their insistence that the WRONG funding source be used to pay for this – and they are back to playing games. Where are the Dems who should be stepping up to the plate is also burning my behind.
It’s not over yet, so keep the faith!
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Scott
June 16, 2010 at 4:20 pm
The GOP does not care about the citizens, never has, never will. All that matters to them is big business with large campaign contributions, whom they are beholden to once in office. The rich get richer and the poor stay poor or get poorer and thats all acceptable in their world. BECAUSE IT DOES NOT AFFECT THEM
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Eric
June 16, 2010 at 5:16 pm
So sad. I’ve been on unemployment since November and looking for a job since then. I’ve never been umemployed and am 49 years old. So sad.kijuyh
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olaf bode (olaf)
June 16, 2010 at 5:36 pm
do you know what sucks? it’s all the millionares who run this country,they do not care about the misery they have caused to millions of their own citizens.they think they are KINGS and QUEENS,to bad we are at the losing end.i am broke no more unemployment benefits and all they care about is porkbarrel crap.i always thought that we are a nation with compation,but that does not apply to AMERICA,IT SEEMS EVERYONE ELSE is more importend,than the people of this country.shame on dirty politics.and this my country.
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Catherine Lee
June 16, 2010 at 9:47 pm
I thought I until Nov 2010. Now I don’t have any unemployment..We are raising 3 kids and my husband is on disability which isnt much. Please sign this bill. I am looking for a job. I want to work, but there just arent any jobs.
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T Sexton
June 24, 2010 at 4:28 pm
I am on unemployment also. The town i live in is small and every thing is gone. Once we had 7 to 8 factorys now it is all mom and pop. We had a chance a few years ago for a big casino and it got shot down. The goverment needs to wake UP!! You are killing the people of the UNITED STATES!! CONGRESS needs to live on umemployment for 6 months and nothing else then see how they feel. I never saw how so few could make every new rule there is for so many people. Pretty soon the goverment will be telling us what we can eat when we can sleep come on this is way too out of hand. The GULF spill ever wonder if it was done on purpose ?? think about it . Goverment needs to bring jobs back to U>S> and if they dont want to come back the they sure dont export back in!!
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