Monday, January 6, 2014
Upcoming Senate test vote on jobless benefits too close to call
The first partisan confrontation of the new year is one having to do with the ongoing struggle over unemployment. The Senate is proposing to extend these long-term benefits for 1.3 million Americans, but they need 60 votes, which means that five Republican votes are needed in order to advance the bill. There is only one Republican senator openly supporting the bill, but there are thought to be at least a few moderates or ones that are from high unemployment states that could vote with the Democrats. Even if they do not gain the Republicans support, the Democrats still see the situation as a positive one because they can then turn the issue into a "political weapon." I think that because this is such a controversial economic issue, the debate will continue long after the vote to further this bill. It will be interesting to see the outcome of the vote, however, and hopefully those in need of help don't go very long without it.
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For me the most frustrating part of this is the fact that senate isn't more compassionate to the 1.3 million Americans who depend on unemployment. Our country has fallen on tough economic times, and many families are struggling as a result. Also this article made me think back to the article that Ian posted about how much money the government wasted in 2013. I think that number was around 30 billion, yet the Senate can't support a 6.4 billion dollar bill that benefits 1.3 million Americans.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Michaela, it is really frustrating that politics gets in the way of the well-being of American citizens. There seems to be a lot of unnecessary spending in the U.S. government, but this sort of spending seems completely necessary to me. I think it's frustrating that the Democrats view this as a potential "political weapon" if it does not pass. Their arguments for it should be compelling enough to get the bill passed.
ReplyDeleteSome of these proposals for unemployment benefits are so counterproductive and they waste money. Honestly, I do not understand the idea of giving people stuff to sit around and do nothing because then they have no motivation to go out and get a real job and get real benefits. I understand that unemployment benefits are not the greatest things in the world, but trying to make it "income equality" by giving people an incentive for not having a job is okay to some point, but it should really be limited.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that the Democrats are already thinking forward to if the bill doesn't get passed how they can use it to their advantage shows how sometimes in politics the issue doesn't matter, it's all about the competition. I hope that the bill gets passed so that the 1.3 million Americans can be benefitted, also the passage of the bill would mean another bipartisan compromise!
ReplyDeleteI think that the fact that any republicans, if even only one or two, are showing signs of supporting a democratic bill is a step in the right direction. This bill is a way to help many Americans who are out of work and unable to find jobs. There will always be a few people that take advantage of the system, but many people who are out of work are trying to find a new job and not just sitting around. I hope that this bill is passed so these uninsured Americans can have benefits.
ReplyDeleteI truly hope this bill gets passed because regardless of what party you're associated with, 1.3 million Americans need help. agree with Christina that Democrats need to focus not on whether or not the bill will fail, but doing whatever they can to make sure it passes.
ReplyDeleteI truly hope this bill gets passed because regardless of what party you're associated with, 1.3 million Americans need help. agree with Christina that Democrats need to focus not on whether or not the bill will fail, but doing whatever they can to make sure it passes.
ReplyDeleteInstead of thinking how the democrats can use a loss to their advantage, maybe they should think of more ways to get it passed. With all the time the parties use to argue, a compromise could have already been made. I know no compromise can be made very easily, but I haven't hears of many attempts. 5 republican votes is not that many to receive based on the fact that many might be moderate or if they received a strong voice from his or her respective district. Anything is possible. Let's not fight. Everyone love everyone!
ReplyDeleteWhen controversial spending topics, such as unemployment, are at the center of discussion in Washington I wish a few politicians would get together to look at the frivolous expenditures in the article posted just last week. $6.4 billion is a lot of money, but this is for people in need. 1.3 Americans in need. A government for the people should be spending it's money for their people, not on duck research and other ridiculous expenses.
ReplyDeleteI feel like if the extension can benefit 1.3 million Americans than it is well worth passing. I can see the republicans arguement, but with this many people needing help it's a no-brainer. Why do Americans only look out for those who share the same political views as them?
ReplyDeleteI think it's ridiculous that we are depriving over a million citizens. The republicans argument is that we are paying people to do nothing. This isn't true, these benefits are regulated and do not last forever. On the other hand there is a group of people whom the American people pay billions of dollars to wether they are working or not, those people are the members of congress.
ReplyDeleteWow, that gets right to the point. I agree with Annamarie, these benefits would help a lot of people and they don't last forever. This is worth it for the members of congress to just come together, put politics aside, and compromise.
DeleteThe money that the government spends should benefit the American people. With this many people unemployed and in need of assistance, it's appalling that senators would not want to help those in need of it. The people that do nothing and support themselves on just unemployment payments are outliers. The majority of unemployed people need the money now, so that they can get back on their feet.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kevin. People shouldn't be getting rewarded for sitting around and not even attempting to get a job and receive real benefits. It's not fair to people who work their butt off and continue to struggle with income when someone who doesn't work may be taking in the same amount of money. Also, I liked what Collins said about altering the bill so it benefits people in the long run who's jobs aren't coming back. It seems like a reasonable proposition to me.
ReplyDeleteHere is another case of the extreme partisan bickering that has plagued the senate constantly throughout the past couple years. If they have the chance to provide 1.3 million Americans with enhanced benefits should both sides not take the chance to improve this lives by passing just one piece of legislation. Although there are the people who take advantage of the system, they must be a small percentage to the people who truly need it. So why wouldn't these senators take the advantage and vote to help to improve the lives of many Americans.
ReplyDeleteThere are definitely some positives and negatives to take out of this article. At least there are a few Republicans supporting the bill, so yay I guess. However, seeing this as a potential “political weapon?” Typical politicians. Get it together Democrats.
ReplyDeleteIf this extension is going to benefit 1.3 million Americans I see no reason why it shouldn't be passed. Although it is $6.4 billion, that's $6.4 billion that is going to benefit many Americans who are in need of help. In my opinion, the Republicans need to get over the fact that it is a Democratic bill and realize that it is going to impact the lives of many Americans in a positive way. I hope that this bill gets enough votes to be passed on Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of trying to fix the unemployment problem but I don't like that Democrats are using it as a political weapon. But rather, like Ian said, they should compromise and try to think of other ways to get a similar bill passed because the unemployed do need help.
ReplyDeleteI think a large part of the unemployment situation in our country is that many citizens have become over reliant on benefits they either don't deserve or don't need. I acknowledge the fact that unemployment does also care for those who have put forward a lifetime of hard work, but unfortunately Americans that simply don't want to work have taken advantage of this. Before more money is attributed to this program, it would be worth our while to address some of the leaks.
ReplyDeleteWhy does every single article about congressional procedure feel like it's about a preschool? If these people acted like this at a regular job, they'd be fired. It's so annoying that some senators didn't even show up...what the heck are you doing then??? Also, on the actual issue, I really hope that these people get what they need.
ReplyDeleteAlthough i support unemployment benefits, I think it would be unwise for Obama to make that the centerpiece of his second term. Unemployment, which is one of the largest government benefits, is a touchy issue given american's belief in capitalism. Either way, i think that the vote on the unemployment bill will be an important one which will reflect the U.S' stance on government benefits.
ReplyDeleteThe issue of unemployment benefits is one where many citizens either agree with passionately or are strongly against. I just wish that some senators would actually vote for what they personally believed in rather than what their party wanted. Then we, the American people, would get to hear some more honest views and maybe even change our own thoughts.
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