Labor & Employment Law

Senate Breaks Republican Stranglehold on Jobless Help

By Mike Hall

The U.S. Senate this afternoon broke the Republican blockade of unemployment insurance (UI) for long-term, jobless workers?a blockade that cost more than 2 million unemployed workers their benefits.  The U.S. Senate voted 60-40 to end the filibuster led by Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) which all but ensures the bill’s final passage.

The legislation continues the program of UI benefits for workers who have been jobless for six months–nearly 7 million of the nation?s official 15 million unemployed workers. The final vote is expected  later today. Says AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:

Finally, the Senate has overcome the final hurdle to provide relief for more than 2 million people who have lost their benefits since Republicans in Congress launched their latest political stall tactics against the jobless. Millions of Americans will have the means to feed their families and pay some bills while they seek work.

The House approved an extension in May, but because there were minor changes in the Senate, the House must vote again and is expected to do so tomorrow. The bill is retroactive to June for the more than 2 million unemployed workers who have lost benefits.  However, the extension is only through November. Says Trumka:

We still need our leaders to do more, not less, to create jobs and sustain the economic recovery. Our nation must invest in jobs now?so we can lay a foundation for long-term growth and shared prosperity.

The swearing in of Carte Goodwin, who was appointed to fill the seat of the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) until a special election is held, gave Democrats the vote they need to reach the 60 needed to beat McConnell?s obstruction. Two Republican senators from Maine?Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe?voted for the legislation and Democrat Ben Nelson of Nebraska voted against it.

With this fall?s congressional elections fast approaching, Trumka says:

Creating jobs and helping those who have lost their jobs are defining issues for all Americans. Leaders in Washington must rebuild an economy that works for everyone, or they will take us back to one that works only for Wall Street.

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on July 20, 2010 (boomark / email).