GOP Votes Against Unemployment Extension

November 19th, 2010 - 8:06 pm ICT by GD  

By Meena Kar
congNov 19, (THAINDIAN NEWS) In what can be described as devastating news for the unemployed in America, the House of Representatives decided that the extension in the unemployment benefits will no longer take place. The much talked about legislation would have allowed the unemployed to receive the unemployment benefits till February 28 but the latest move will end the benefits on November 30.

The legislation failed to get the minimum number of votes for the super-majority in the House of Representatives on Thursday and thus shattered the dreams of many who were hoping to get benefits till February end. The final voting tally was 258-154. Though the Democrats were supporting the legislation, their defeat ensured that they will have the opportunity to use it as a political weapon against the Republicans.

Currently more than 4 million Americans are enjoying the benefits that will end on November 30. Though the experts are yet to explain the impact of the legislation, it is clear that the move will not go down well with those who are struggling to find employment in America. The Republican stance on the extension of the unemployment benefits was clear. They wanted the $12 billion price tag of the extension to be dropped.

Interestingly 21 Democrats voted against the extension of the benefits while 21 Republican candidates voted in its favor. Also worth noting is that among the 22 members of the House who did not vote, there were 7 Democrats. Jim McDermott, a Democratic Representative from Washington said that the message was clear that the Republicans did not care how the 4 million Americans would spend their Christmas, pay for their mortgage or buy food in the next three months.

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