House Likely to Pass Jobless Bill on Second Try

“There is no better example after today’s vote of why this November we need a change.”

Politically Sensitive Vote

The political sensitivity of the issue was evident in the Republican leadership’s decision to oppose the bill but not whip it. All nine Republicans from Michigan, which would qualify for special benefits under the bill as a high-unemployment state, voted for the benefit extension.

Highest Unemployment Rates: Click here to view chart

The legislation would extend benefits for 13 weeks beyond the 26 weeks already authorized under law for all states. In addition, states with the most unemployment — 6 percent or higher — would get an additional 13 weeks.

In a policy statement, the White House said, “The best way to help workers is to create an environment that encourages job creation and to promote effective job training.” It called on Congress to pass pending free-trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea; make permanent tax cuts championed by Bush that will expire in 2010; and overhaul the Trade Adjustment Assistance program and the Workforce Investment Act.

Last month, the unemployment rate jumped to 5.5 percent from 5 percent in April. It was the biggest increase in more than two decades and added impetus to the Democrats’ efforts. The last temporary extension came in March 2002, after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and when the unemployment rate was 5.7 percent.

The administration expressed concern that even states with low unemployment rates would receive the 13-week extension, and some individuals who have worked for as little as two weeks could potentially qualify for a year of benefits.

The White House indicated it was willing to accept a targeted extension, echoing the stance of many GOP lawmakers. It “could support legislation that would offer a 13-week extension of federally financed unemployment benefits to high-unemployment states alone.”

Republican Proposal

Jerry Weller of Illinois, a Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, has a proposal (HR 5688) to provide an additional 13 weeks for states that have an above-average unemployment rate, have experienced a 20 percent rise in unemployment rates in the past year or have unemployment rates above 6 percent.

Weller noted that Republicans on the Ways and Means panel had supported some form of additional unemployment insurance benefits. He decried the Democratic legislation’s elimination of a requirement that individuals work at least 20 weeks before collecting extended federal benefits.

“I am especially opposed to the cynical election-year maneuvering reflected in how the House is considering this important issue today,” Weller said. “Does the majority think that is fair to taxpayers? To pay 12 months of unemployment benefits in exchange for less than one month of work?”