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H.R. 5749, The Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2008 (214 comments ↓ | 9 wiki edits)
- This bill has been mooted by the passage of another bill on the same subject or by other events. Check 'Related Bills' below to see if other bills on this subject have been passed into law. Mooted: 6/30/2008.
- This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.
H.R. 5749 would provide for a program of emergency unemployment compensation.
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Visitor Comments 
here we go
June 9, 2008, 6:58pm (report abuse)Ok, after calling various senators offices:the latest info. is that the senate passed the war bill last week in a viote of 75 to 22. they did however do is pull of bill H.R. 5749 , and the GI bill. The 5749 was pulled from the bill by Kennedy. They believe they have a better chance to pass it as seperate bill, which is now S2544, it is at the office of the finance committee, Which is led by Sen. Butkus. I spoke with the comittees office and what I was told they have no date set as to when the discussions on this will be started. They said it is not even ready to go on their calander. Oh, by the way I was also told it will not have enough of a majority to pass the senate on it's own because the republicans are mostly against it. Gee go figure, They gave Busch what he wanted, once again they ran scared. In closing I say we as unemployed Americans need to stand up for ourselves and plan a march on Washington, to show them how many people our unemployed and angry.
HR5749 is now S2544
June 10, 2008, 11:45am (report abuse)HR5749 is now S2544
The unemployment extension (HR 5749) of 13 to 26 weeks is officially SR 2544. I read the comment above and called 877-3311223 and asked for Senator Baucus (not Senator Butkus) democrat who is head of the finance committee and no date has been set as to when the discussions on this will be started. They said it is not even ready to go on their calendar for discussion this week and probably will not make it next week either. With 4th of July week just around the corner, which is an off week and the month of August which is basically an off month, hopefully by Sept. the bill will see some action. Unless calls are made to your state Senators in your state that you live in, to push a rally for this bill, and get it on the books NOW, and pass it don’t push it around again. (See next item limited to 1000 spaces)
Continued from above
June 10, 2008, 11:46am (report abuse)Make the CALL 877-3311223 and ask for your senator, leave a message and get their email and send them an email concerning the unemployment crisis. Everyone should call Senator Baucus to get going on this bill NOW also email him at max@baucus.senate.gov Let him know that your house is ready for foreclosure now, its either gas or food for your family, riots in the streets on Washington are not needed this week but people are hungry and getting angry. Elections are coming up, and maybe we all should turn to the Republicans this election, because at least they can get something done in the senate unlike the Democrats that I have been voting for all my life of 52. Please pass the word to your neighbors and friends. We the people need to make a stand for ourselves not for King George’s war and loose economic ways. Signed Bob L. Swartz Creek, Michigan
Taxpayer
June 11, 2008, 10:43am (report abuse)You people disgust me. You are STEALING $137 from me. If I saw you I would spit on you. Can't find a job? Boo f**king hoo.
My grandparents moved from europe, without even knowing English. And here you are looking to the government gansters to steal my money and pay your bills?
What the f**k are you doing on the internet?? Get a f**king job. Burger King is always hiring. Get two jobs. Sell your f**king SUV. Stop bitching and blaming GWB.
YOU DISGUST ME.
looking for work
June 11, 2008, 12:43pm (report abuse)June 11, 2008
The extension may get voted on today. In light of last Fridays Dept. of labor reports showing the National U.I. rate skyrocketing up .5%. Watch c-span.
Republicans can kiss my @$$
June 11, 2008, 2:45pm (report abuse)Act Now! Please call both Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's office right away and leave a message saying, “The extension of unemployment benefits must be included in the war spending bill to be voted by the House of Representatives.” Please also call you Congressperson right away and say, “Please tell Speaker Nancy Pelosi you strongly support providing extended unemployment insurance benefits as part of the war spending bill to be voted on by the House of Representatives.” The toll-free number is 1-877-331-1223.
Thank you for keeping up the fight for the unemployed!
Hope to be a taxpayer soon
June 11, 2008, 5:14pm (report abuse)Just caught the hr 5749 vote on CSpan. Needed 2/3 majority to pass and we missed it by a few votes. 100% yea votes from the dems, but not enough from the Bush camp. Don't know what happens next. At least Mr Taxpayer (above) will be happy. And, by the way mr taxpayer, you are wrong about Burger King always hiring. Why don't you try to get a job there and see what happens. If I wasn't such a good person I would pray to God to put you in our situation. You tempt me. Also, by the way, a person does pay taxes on unemployment too, and that will help pay your unemployment someday if the need ever arises. Although I can't imagine why anyone would not hire you.
Taxpayer
June 11, 2008, 5:31pm (report abuse)What a surprise – I get called names when I try and help.
Listen up idiots – the government does NOT care about you. Don’t you get it???
If you really need help you should go to a charity or the Church. In fact if I were to give the Church $100, they would be able to give you around $98 of it. BUT, when the government STEALS my $100, they keep $70 and give YOU $30.
By supporting a nanny government, you are making things WORSE. Grow the f**k up, pull yourself up, move to a different town, state or country and stop looking to the government for help. My grandparents were better people than you and they broke their backs, unlike you spineless scum.
Hey taxpayer (AL)
June 11, 2008, 7:14pm (report abuse)Get a life and get off of this blog. You posted on both sites dummy! Apparently you have nothing better to do than to pick on some one less fortunate. Nobody wants to read your stupid remarks, you have no clue what you are talking about anyway dumb*ss. I am surprised you have a job, not too many companies hire dumb*ss retards who are hateful,,oh wait a minute,,, are you a republican? I bet you are even a politician,,,and you call us spineless scum? Print your address and phone number retard,,,or are you scared of us you spineless RETARD??????
Goodbye taxpayer
June 11, 2008, 7:44pm (report abuse)Responding to taxpayer only encourages him. Let's ignore his insensitivity and get back to the subject at hand
Down and out in Jersey
June 12, 2008, 10:34am (report abuse)I'm 61 and worked my entire life. Now ,at my age, I get laid off from a job that was directly connected to the housing market. I'm forced to take SS early and a small pension early but that does'nt happen for 8 months. Unemployment has run out and I stand a good chance of loosing what little I've got. PLEASE pass this bill. I'm certainly not alone.
NeedHelp
June 12, 2008, 2:58pm (report abuse)Need Help Now!
Need Help NOW!
I am 2 weeks from homelessness.
My job no longer exists, My prospects are weeks away.
Help needed in Georgia
June 12, 2008, 2:59pm (report abuse)After watching the debate today (6/12) it was quite obvious that many do not want us to have an extension, despite the fact that I have paid into the trust for 30 years. My benefits have expired and despite too many interviews to count, I am still unemployed. How is drilling for oil going to give me a job? I would probably get the same answer I have gotten at every interview - OVEREDUCATED AND OVERQUALIFIED. Senators Chambliss and Isakson, please do not veto this bill. President Bush, are you listening? Thank you.
HeyTaxpayer
June 12, 2008, 3:09pm (report abuse)When Im homless, I'll be stealing your gas, your bicycle and anything else I can to eat that day, and when you find me and have me arrested, you will pay far more than $137 total for this fiasco.
M. Parks
June 12, 2008, 9:15pm (report abuse)Senate passed HR 2642 75-22.The house didn’t like the other things in it like GI assistance, Iraq troop levels & King George threatened a veto. So Democrats want to drop the extension so King George will sign it. The House voted on HR 5479. It passed 274-137 but now Senator Reed said won’t push this if the Republicans object. Congress is passing it back and forth & posturing to make each other look bad in the next election an our lives are being toyed with. The total cost of this extension is less than the cost of one month in Iraq so we as Americans and taxpayers get screwed so King George can fix the mess he made in Iraq.
to uneducated taxpayer
June 13, 2008, 4:17pm (report abuse)Get an education before you run your mouth. The money to pay for this was paid by all of us when we were working. There is a fund that will cover this that has about 35 billion in it already. So your tax money is going to pay for bombs and bullets in Iraq and billions for african leaders that never make it to the people it is intended for. That is, the small amount that actually makes it there. The rest pays for Senators to fly around in private jets and to have villa's in the bahammas. Besides our tax money isn't even an issue now as we are printing money as fast as we can spend it. That is why the dollar is worth about .50 cents now and we have a trillion dollar defecit. Waldo spends money like a drunken sailor on leave, except on hard working Americans that need it.
Oh and one more thing
June 13, 2008, 4:28pm (report abuse)You can't get a job at Burger King in California unless you are unable to speak english.
M.Parks
June 13, 2008, 5:45pm (report abuse)Agreed! Taxpayer is insensitive unaware and probably isolated from the problems of the economy. I really was amused when he said charities return $98 out of a $100. I wonder if he was a Jim & Tammy Baker donor? (laugh)And the gentlemen who said there is $35 billion in a trust fund for unemployment is correct but the actual cash like the social security trust fund is being used by the government for other things. What really scares me about taxpayer is over 59 million of him(taxpayer) were stupid enough to vote for King George in the last election based on King Georges “honesty” and “compassionate conservatism” and there are still 28% who approve of the job King George is doing.He thinks we would rather have a unemployment check than a good job. Big question: Is King George just a bad President or the worst ever?
J. Roses
June 14, 2008, 12:56pm (report abuse)Pass this bill! Help American families. We are talking about former employees who have contributed to America! What is the problem????
INFO
June 15, 2008, 1:58pm (report abuse)Ignore the troll who goes by the name, "Taxpayer." He/she has been posting negative remarks on the opencongress.org website for months! Come on over to www.opencongress.org and post your views or read what people are sharing on the blog for H.R. 5749.
impulsive1961
June 15, 2008, 9:53pm (report abuse)To: Taxpayer:
Taxpayer: You Disgust Me, I too have never been on unemployment, and I am fortunate enough to be in the same job for 18+ years, but that does not mean that I have no sympathy for those who have lost there jobs after several years of being in the workforce. I would MUCH RATHER have the government take 137.00 from me if it meant Hard working Americans could get a job, and gain back their dignity then to give it the illegal immagrants who have nothing better to do than take our jobs, than march in the streets for their rights. What Rights?, Does the word ILLEGAL mean anything to you. I bet you never gave a second thought to that did you, or is your nose so far in the air that you can't see what is right in front you. I support this bill 100%, and you TAXPAYER are nothing but a snob. God help you if you lose your job for unforseen circumtances. I hope somebody would have more sympathy for you than you seem to have for others. GROW UP.
O.E. OLSON
June 17, 2008, 12:50pm (report abuse)I am a machinist in Northeastern MI. I have been laid off so long that I have lost about everything that I worked for in my whole adult life. I have had to move to my aged Mother's farm in order to have a roof over my head while I WAIT and hope for the Unemployment Extension Bill to be enacted. I have a small amount of money coming in from the VA but if it weren't for my family helping me and my small amount of Disability from the Veterans Administration---I would be one of those people you see sitting on the curb.
What I really need is a renewed Economy here in MI, right along with the extended Unemployment Benefit. So how about some action on BOTH ISSUES? I need work now!
To All
June 17, 2008, 5:36pm (report abuse)On the blog for S 2544. I have posted the latest information that I received from phone calls made to the house and senate made on 06/17/08. Please go to s 2544 and read the info. It is under the heading: Fellow Americans.
Gene Helpless in Kentucky
June 18, 2008, 8:50pm (report abuse)I have been laid off six months from my construction job and now my benefits are up. I'm 54 years old and never expected to be in this boat. Without this extension I lose everything I have worked for all of my life. Anyone who has ever worked in construction field knows you can't be a lazy person and do that kind of work. I never thought it would happen to me.....Be forwarned it can happen to anyone anywhere. I hope Bush does the right thing and lets this bill go through at least to buy me enough time to learn a different trade or find a job. My health insurance ends on June 31 and without unemployment benefits I cannot renew it.
M.Parks
June 18, 2008, 9:21pm (report abuse)Looks like the democrats got outmaneuvered as usual. The extension won't include the 13 weeks for high unemployments states like Michigan. Guess the ones that need it most are the one that get the least.Frankly I wish Pelosi and Reid would get a job selling ice cream on a truck it would more in line with there ability.WOW what a sorry bunch of politicians!!
Unemplyed
June 19, 2008, 3:17am (report abuse)You will get 13 weeks....just not the additional 13 weeks after that (26 total). The original Bill had 13 weeks Nation wide then an addition 13 wks for high unemployment states. Now, it is just 13 weeks Nation wide....better than nothing!
To Unemployed
June 19, 2008, 9:09am (report abuse)Yes it's better than nothing but it's indicative of our lousy politicians. The bill cost the same as one month in Iraq. They have been debating it for 6 months.I am angry and there isn't anything I can do because these politicians are oblivious to anything but their political future.I live in Mich and I've had 5 jobs in the last 8 years and lost four because the companies left MIch. The unemployment rate is 8.5% and has been consistently at or around 7% for 8 years. I've went through a fortune in accumulated saving and selling assets to remain afloat.No one care about Michigan's economy & our senators are ineffectual.At this point all I got is disgust!
Confused
June 19, 2008, 11:48am (report abuse)As usual, I'm confused. Have all states been approved for extended unemployment benefits? Its not clear to me. Does the unemployment rate have to be above 6%. My state is LOWER than 5% so will we be able to collect extended unemployment then??????
Sooo Soooo confused!!!
LDM
June 19, 2008, 2:43pm (report abuse)Remember the sixties. Time to remember who we are....WE ARE THE PEOPLE....someone on another site had a good idea to demonstrate with empty plates and spoons at govt bldgs & the White House like would have been done in the sixties. Unemployment, the war..... That might get their attention. We'd just need to organize. Any leaders out there?
to LDM
June 19, 2008, 6:00pm (report abuse)Americans are stupid. 59 million voted for king George and until gas went up he was liked. It's got bite everone until it hurts then things change. Unbelievably King George is coming to Michigan 25th or 26th of June. I don't think anything would affect him but at least we could ruin his visit. I think the truck drivers are being screwed the most ($4.79 for diesel) and they got the biggest toys! (laugh)Any Teamsters out there?
RTP
June 19, 2008, 9:38pm (report abuse)OK.. It passed today... See Washington Post for details....
Confused
June 20, 2008, 5:40pm (report abuse)Yes the bill has cleared the house, this is the final draft of the bill that the house and senate have decided upon. Yes all 50 states will receive the benefits, unfortunatley to get this passed out there will not be the additional 13 weeks. At least we are getting 13 more weeks.
Down and out in JERSEY
June 20, 2008, 7:31pm (report abuse)On June 12th I E mailed my congressman a lengthy message telling him of my circumstances and how desperate so many of us are. Laid off with absolutely no hope of a job anywhere here in the garden state. But I should'nt be too surprised he hasn't replied. Afterall, he's a republican. It's obvious to me which party is for the working man and which party is'nt.
RB
June 21, 2008, 12:18am (report abuse)This has been killed in the Senate, you can thank Senator Kyl of Arizona. Dems are going to try to attach it to the Iraq war spending bill to get it passed and signed. You know the Republicans are going to fight it because it will show a clearer picture of the economy when people that have exhausted their benefits are once again counted in the unemployment rate. The saying goes "If you want to live like a Republican, then vote for a Democrat".
Jenny
June 21, 2008, 4:48pm (report abuse)Im scared , as a single mom going to school full time We were on the edge already ,getting laid off and now benefits are gone. I really dont know what is to happen to us.Than im told even when passed it will take awhile for the paperwork.Im very scared.
jim
June 21, 2008, 9:25pm (report abuse)Out of all the comments above not one mentions the jobs that the illegal immigrants take. What were once good paying trade jobs have been reduced to minimum wage jobs. Illegal immigration takes away jobs just as exporting jobs do.
to Jim
June 22, 2008, 1:22pm (report abuse)I've read about 70% of Americans want the illegals sent home. There are 12-20 million of them here. Thats 12-20 million job openings yet both Presidential candidates favor some kind of amnesty. Perfect Hypocrisy!!! Makes you wonder who is running this country?---It sure ain't the American citizens!We need a third party in this country that represents the economic interests of the middle class.
To: Jim and To Jim
June 25, 2008, 5:28am (report abuse)Homo's! this has nothing to do with Illegal aliens! So take your whinning butts out of here! The crapy jobs illegal aliens take have never been high paying jobs. Stop talking out of your hole!
Rich business people run the country so stop whinning and start your own business so you can hire Legal American residents and pay them very high wages with full benefits.
TOM & DONNA
June 25, 2008, 1:37pm (report abuse)IT SEEMS WE HAVE BILLIONS TO SEND TO EVERY FORIEGN COUNTRY IN THE WORLD WHO HAVE THEIR HAND OUT AND DON'T APPRECIATE OUR GENEROSITY, BUT WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO HELP THOSE OF US WHO ARE UNEMPOLYED IN THE USA. BOTH MYSELF AND MY WIFE ARE UNEMPLOYED THROUGH NO FAULT OF OUR OWN AND WE CAN'T FIND WORK. WHEN IS THIS COUNTERY GOING TO WAKE UP!
alyce in california
June 25, 2008, 2:34pm (report abuse)I'm 56, my husband is 68. My unemployment ran out in March. Our home is in foreclosure. Seriously considering moving to Mexico, where we can LIVE on Social Security. PASS THIS EXTENSION!!!
Nancy
June 26, 2008, 8:59am (report abuse)We need to be heard in Washington and by our state reps. With the billions being spent on other countries, it is time to think of our own homeland and supply unemployed in this country with more benefits. Please pass this bill now.
RTP
June 29, 2008, 8:06pm (report abuse)Mr. Bush, is going to sign this bill this week....we got the 13 week extension not the full 26 weeks.... Baby steps....Baby steps..
EAB
June 30, 2008, 4:27pm (report abuse)It is 6/30/08- Rumor has it that the Bill has passed in the House and Senate, and that Bush has approved it.... Can anyone confirm? Have been unemployed since 1/19/2007... What is wrong with Congress!!!!! Let them walk a mile in our shoes...
I remember bush sr.
July 2, 2008, 2:00am (report abuse)At war with Iraq, economy in trouble.... does anybody have their "Will work for food" signs left over from the first Bush administration? Better get them out & dust 'em off. This is just the beginning....
melly
July 2, 2008, 11:11am (report abuse)to the taxpayer i would love to see you on the street so many people are down how dare you make these people feel worse i worked in the mortgage industry and i cant find a job and you must be such an a@# get a life . WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND TAXPAYER.... the bill has passed so good luck to everyone and god bless
Josh
July 5, 2008, 10:12pm (report abuse)When in the hell will I get my money from this? I've been out of work since Dec. of 07 and have ran out of benefits, I can't find anything on the web that states when or wether I will recieve said payments.....maybe i should contact my local UE office...?? Any thoughts?
LW
July 9, 2008, 11:08am (report abuse)Yes, they should put a statement on the unemployment web-site to the effect of when the first check will be deposited to our bank account after mailing in the one page Florida application. Florida was prompt to have the one page application to print and mail in (can't get a fax through). It would avoid phone calls to them if they'd put in the website that info.
LW
July 11, 2008, 9:04am (report abuse)FL on phone tells you 30 min wait. To get to person you must not push any menu buttons, then they will transfer to speak with someone. Only they hang up once you get there and don't let you hold the 30 min. They still don't just post WHEN we will get our first check. Common sense it is the question we need answered.Then their phone won't ring so much. Can't they figure that out?
TS
July 29, 2008, 8:08am (report abuse)I simply can't imagine what homeowners and parents are going through in this...having had to wait so long for our government to stop posturing and finally act on passing this extension.
Even now, in MASS, one must register by phone to qualify for the extension...but when calling the hotline gets an automated message that they "cannot take your call due to unforseen large response". I've been trying to get through for two weeks! And who knows when they'll have their act together to actually send those first checks. Lucky for me I still have scant savings to bridge whatever gap is left, but I have lost all faith in our government.
KS
October 6, 2008, 1:28pm (report abuse)In my 40 years in corporate america,as a veteran of the vietnam era and 3 kids later. I'm out of money out of time and soon no place to live. Out of work since January. Educated and a republican. I need help to make it.
I know Im not alone. Please extend the emergency benefits.
Jack
November 25, 2008, 3:53am (report abuse)Looks like EUC has been extended and what's even greater is that states with unemployment rates of 6% or more, compensation will be doubled. That's 26 weeks or your full original qualifying amount. You'll still recieve the same amount of payment each week. You will not be able to file for the EUC Extention benefits until November 30th. I can put off being homeless for a litte while longer. If anyone involved in the introduction and passing of this Act is reading this, I would just like to explain that you are all deeply in my debt and the debt of all the other 3.5 million people who will be needing this. God bless you and God bless America!
Jack
November 25, 2008, 4:03am (report abuse)I also just wanted to say, all the other people going through hard times are not alone. I believe the estimation of people applying for this EUC Ex. is three and a half million. That's a disgusting number. We will all get through. People must be upset with the government at this point of time in history. But...look at this act just passed, and the one before it. We will be alright. Have faith. This is America. With this extention, maybe we'll survive until the Obama Administration will step up to the plate and get us out of these sad times somehow. I'm still staying optimistic although I almost lost everything when my original benefits were exhausted...and then the government dropped this EUC Act in my lap,and now this one Somebody is watching over me. Good luck and God bless America!
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