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P.L. 110-449, The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008 (880 comments ↓ | 10 wiki edits)
- This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current.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. 6867 would provide for additional emergency unemployment compensation.
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Visitor Comments 
Joey
October 1, 2008, 10:15am (report abuse)We have lost jobs at a increasing high rate and all the attention is on wall street and credit! For God's sake give us the rest of the 26 week extention. Many of us "unemployed" are older which makes it harder to find work!
Gary
October 1, 2008, 12:15pm (report abuse)Many of us have become unemployed due to the mortgage crisis, and now need retraining for new careers,which takes some time. To try to get another job in the financial services industry is just not gonna happen at this time.
I would hope they would extend the unemployment for at least another 13 weeks.
Taylor
October 1, 2008, 1:08pm (report abuse)Unfortunately there will always be people like "Marie" in the world so I wouldn't even bother commenting about her statement. NOW for what I have seen on C-SPAN the Senate in its usual wisdom has added some of their favor earmarks/Add-ons to this bail out bill i.e. tax cuts, mental health, health care, and increase the FDIC from $100.000 to $250.000, nothing about the Stimulus package. I am still not sure if Bush is going to sign this bill or not, he and Congress knows the Unemployment benefits will run out in a few days. I hope Obama, Biden, and Pelosi, does not allow Bush to get away with not signing this bill because its TOO COSTLY but then sign a $700 Billion dollar bail out bill for US to pay because of greedy corporations. Lets hope if Bush has a heart that he will sign the Stimulus Package bill.
Chris
October 1, 2008, 1:15pm (report abuse)Well nothing new on the extension of unemployment benefits. The Senate made some addon's to that BAIL OUT bill but they didnt' add the extension of U B. I'm glad Rep Jackson Jr and Rep Sheila Jackson Lee voted against the Bail out bill in Congress because the negotiators in the White House did not want to add this to the bill????. My Congressman voted against it for the same reason. How can Bush say yes to a $700 Billion $ bail out for corporations that we will have to pay for BUT then say he wouldn't sign the Stimulus Package that would help the jobless and create new Construction jobs to rebuild the Infrastructure. Its makes no sense and I hope the Democratic Congress continue to fight to have this bill signed by Bush or added to this Horrible Bail out bill.
Brian
October 1, 2008, 2:24pm (report abuse)EVERYONE SHOULD CONTACT YOUR SENATORS & CONGRESSMAN. The $700 bail out bill has grown from 110 pages to 450 pages so there is alot that has been added by the Senators BUT nothing mentioned about the Extension of Unemployment Benefits. Let your voices be heard folks!
Paula (Ohio)
October 1, 2008, 5:30pm (report abuse)Yes by all means PASS THIS BILL ASAP!!! I have been out of work since last winter. I am 56 years old and can not find work. My husband has had 7 heart attacks and can not work. Please please please pass this now!
Lisa
October 1, 2008, 7:30pm (report abuse)I just can not believe that they would not put the extension into this bailout plan. That is the only way Bush will sign the darn thing. I think the senate missed the boat on this one. Oh well, it is an election year. They should be thinking about that.
Victoria
October 1, 2008, 9:28pm (report abuse)Before people like Marie get on here and talk about past economic downturns like the one in the late 1980's and early 1990's you should know who the presidents were during those times, it was Ronald Reagan from 1981-89 and George H.W. Bush 1989-93 and both were Republicans. Gee and now that the country is going down the toilet we have George W. Bush Jr. another Republican as our leader. It's a no brainer who I am going to vote for.
Karla
October 1, 2008, 9:33pm (report abuse)Hi you all,,Can somebody please tell me about this bill that it was just approved. The $700,,is this good for us that are waiting for an extension or what? I'm a little confused...Someone that knows,,please advise..Thanks.
Jim
October 1, 2008, 9:53pm (report abuse)The bailout bill, or whatever their calling it now, has just been passed in senate 3-1. I do not think that any extention was attached to it. All anyone talks about on tv is tax breaks, insurance on asset's in banks went from 100k to 250k etc. nothing that applies to me.... hear anything different post it.
Karen
October 1, 2008, 11:23pm (report abuse)Why do people think President Bush would not sign a bill that includes a UI extension ? Plus, eventhough the senate passed the bailout without UI , can the House add UI and pass it and then we get it if Bush signs it ?
Catherine
October 2, 2008, 5:00am (report abuse)I AM ASKING EVERYONE ON THIS BOARD TO PLEASE CALL THEIR STATE REPRESENTATIVE SERVING CONGRESS TODAY (RIGHT NOW!) 1-888 245-0215 - and ask to speak to your members of Congress, especially in states with high unemployment. Tell them that they should not leave for recess at the end of the month without passing legislation to extend unemployment benefits for the millions of Americans struggling to find jobs in this economy. You will get the switchboard and then get hooked into your Rep.'s secretary/clerk. LEAVE A MESSAGE with them! WE NEED TO ACT NOW BEFORE RECESS!!!
Catherine
October 2, 2008, 6:17am (report abuse)Please note there is a second bill, H.R. 7110, that also calls for an extension of benefits. This bill also passed, but the President has threatened to veto it.
http://washlaborwire.com/2008/10/01/house-passes-unemployment-benefits-...
RTP
October 2, 2008, 9:31am (report abuse)Karen:
The Bush Administration has announced its opposition to both the House and Senate bills and has promised a veto of both. It objects to the cost of the unemployment benefit provisions, as well as the precedent set by the extension of benefits, which follow a previous extension in July 2008.
I'm not sure that HR 7110 has been included in this $700 Billion pkage. Does anyone know ?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harry Bush
October 2, 2008, 10:18am (report abuse)president bush and the Gop says NO to any further extension of U.C. benefits.they stated that the 13 week extension given in July, totaling 9 months of benefits, was enough time for workers to get a new job.the 700 billion bailout(revised edition)is still aimed for the fat cats on wall st.and main st.needs to pull itself up by the boot straps and GET TO WORK!!!looks like its gonna be a long,cold,hungry winter.HAPPY HOLIDAYS MAIN ST. USA!!!!the lame duck president that america gave two terms too has spoken!!!!!
Karen
October 2, 2008, 1:30pm (report abuse)Go to washlaborwire.com it states the bill could possibly be attached to the $700 Bail out bill. Bush is threatening to veto the Extension of U B bill because its too costly????. Can you believe that! He's shoving a $700 Billion dollar Bail out for corporations for us to pay BUT says this Extension of U B is too costly. Well I hope Congress attaches it to that Bail out bill, they can't let Bush get away with that. He doesn't have to run for reelection but they do. CALL YOUR CONGRESSMAN & SENATORS NOW!
Patricia
October 2, 2008, 1:37pm (report abuse)Well I called the 1 888 245-0215# and ALL circuits are busy which means people are really calling to reach their Congress person to voice displeasure with this $700 BAIL OUT bill passage if the Extension of Unemployment Benefits is not attached to it. My goodness does Bush have any compassion?. We have to keep calling our legislators to get this bill passed.
CROSSLAW1
October 2, 2008, 2:32pm (report abuse)Our representatives need to add a clause extending unemployment benefits as stated in Bills H.R. 6867 and H.R. 7011. These Bills are sitting on our President's desk, and he has threatened to veto them. Please call your members of Congress TODAY - 1-800 245-0215 - and ask to speak to your members of Congress. Leave a message with their secretary or clerk. This is a toll-free number. Unemployment benefits must be extended and should be attached to the Bailout Bill. There is nothing in this Bailout Bill that actually HELPS the working class Americans.
KL
October 2, 2008, 2:35pm (report abuse)You can also email your congressman. Go to http://www.house.gov/ and find your congressman's email.
Brian
October 2, 2008, 2:38pm (report abuse)GO TO www.house.gov/mcdermott. Rep McDermott has said he will add a amendent to extend Unemployment Benefits to the Bail out bill. He states he has received THOUSANDS of emails and calls from people who are jobless & are just asking for some more time to find a job in a lousy economic sinkhole not of their choosing. WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO CALL OUR REPS ABOUT THIS EXTENSION; 1 888 245-0215 is the correct tel#. the above tel# from CROSSLAW1 is a fax#.
Taylor
October 2, 2008, 3:13pm (report abuse)Has anyone checked out the tax breaks added to this Bail Out bill by the Senate?. I just learned that some of the tax breaks is for Hollywood producers to the tune of $478 Million?????. Can you believe how the Senate, Congress, and Bush are playing this Bail out bill like it a Christmas tree and a joke, at the American people's expense!!!.
Martha
October 2, 2008, 3:25pm (report abuse)One of the commentators on MSNBC had mentioned about the $478 Million tax breaks for Hollywood producers that was added to this Bail out bill. The Senate has let us know how important they think the Extension of Unemployment Benefits is to them. Can you believe this? there is also some kind of crazy tax breaks for 2 other things as well. I hope Rep.McDermott gets this legitimate amendment added to this Bail out bill to extend the unemployment benefits.
G.Bush
October 2, 2008, 6:40pm (report abuse)9 months is enough!!stop crying,swallow your pride,and take $7.25 an hour!!it's better than nothing!!!there's only so much i can do.i'm not god, but i'm very,very close!!!!!
G.Bush
October 2, 2008, 6:57pm (report abuse)oh yea.i need your tax dollars to help pay for my 700B bailout for all my rich,wall street friends.us fat cats stick togetheir.steak and lobster for everyone on wall street.hamburger helper for main st usa!!!
Crosslaw1
October 3, 2008, 8:52am (report abuse)Thanks, Brian, for the correction in the telephone number for the House of Representatives to add the Extention of Unemployment Benefits to the Bailout Bill:
1 888 245-0215
Patricia
October 3, 2008, 12:43pm (report abuse)The Congress has a bill on the floor TODAY after the $700 Bail out for corporations bill. The bill is for extension of unemployment benefits so it should pass thru the Congress minus the Republicans who probably wouldn't vote it BUT if Congress get 2/3 majority then they don't need Bush to sign it. KEEP TRYING TO GET THRU TO YOUR CONGRESSMAN or call him/her at their regular # in Washington.
Johnny D
October 3, 2008, 1:52pm (report abuse)I feel for all of you. I am a 51 year old man in south florida. I am loosing my home, and got last unemployment check yesterday. I am one month from being homeless, and there are no jobs. God bless you all.
Stacey
October 3, 2008, 2:22pm (report abuse)I live in Indiana. My story is just like those above. I have written my congressman. I have been unemployed since Feb 2007. Have went through my savings = 5 thousand and my 401k = 45thousand. Untl Mya I could pay my mortgage and cedit cards. I am now 5 months behind on my mortgage and will surely lose my home I send out 6 to 10 resumes a week. There will be 400 people aplying for th same job. I have looked for jobs from waitressing to sales (my background) and nothing has come through. I lay awake at night stressing.
Still hope
October 3, 2008, 2:35pm (report abuse)Yes, the bill on at the House today for a vote. But, keep in mind it still has to go to the Senate. Per Unemployed workers. org. The Senate is to leave for recess today until November 14th. Say a prayer
W.Reed
October 3, 2008, 2:47pm (report abuse)FINAL VOTE FOR H.R 6867:
YEA- 368
NAY- 38
IT PASSED CONGRESS!!!!!
Sue
October 3, 2008, 2:55pm (report abuse)Unempl since Sept 2007 in Florida, over 50, even min wage jobs not there for me, Prior $80,000 yr now zero income, surrendered 6.5 fixed rate home under bankruptcy, slept in car, now at relative, have a son,unempl ext runs out Oct...only asset is life insurance. Please pass 13 week extension for FL..better yet another 26 wks. Better yet, get our jobs back & let us work to build economy again.
Freedom
October 3, 2008, 3:24pm (report abuse)It passed congress! But, pray Bush will pass it and not veto.
I feel all of your comments, My benfits will run out this wk. unemployment rate in my state is 6.5. This is bad, nothing out there. I have phone,emailed my congress. This bill needs to pass!!!.
sherri
October 3, 2008, 3:53pm (report abuse)Bad news! The bill did pass thur Congress by 2/3rd majority and it goes to the SENATE WHICH IS GONE UNTIL 11/17/08!!!. So we are up the creek w/o a paddle! I hope everyone will be ok and we find work before the rent/mortage is due 11/5th. I am very disappointed in how the Senate added their petty pet projects to that Bail out bill and then got the heck out of town. Sen Reid knew that the Unemployment bill was coming up in the house and would need the Senate to pass it, but his didn't care. Godspeed to you all!
UE
October 3, 2008, 3:58pm (report abuse)We have to wait until the Senate comes back from recess in mid November just to find out if this extension will be approved. Like many others my benefits are running out now! Why are they going to wait so long to vote? It’s nothing but a sick joke when it comes to priorities in this country with our government.
Diana
October 3, 2008, 4:09pm (report abuse)I am watching CNN they just stated that the senate did sign the extension bill before they left but does anyone know how many extra weeks will get
Freedom
October 3, 2008, 4:29pm (report abuse)When I watched c-span, when it passed the block on the t.v stated next step for Bush to sign. I thought that senate had already voted on this bill with a pass, it just needed to go thru congress again where it failed the first time. ?
Crosslaw
October 3, 2008, 4:46pm (report abuse)The House of Representatives passed H.R. 6867 today -- extending Unemployment benefits in all States for either 7 weeks or 13 weeks, depending on each particular state's unemployment percentage. Thank you, Rep. Jim McDermott of Washington and Rep. Jerry Weller of Illinois for your support!!! The Bill now goes to the Senate for its vote for approval on November 17, 2008 (they are in recess now so its a bit of a wait) -- and then to the President. We need to contact our Senators to remind them not to forget about the American working class, and to pass this Bill.
Diana
October 3, 2008, 4:53pm (report abuse)What I meant to say is a CNN reporter stated that the senate did vote YES before they left. The president could not sign the bill if the senate had not agreed to it. And as we all should know by now the president did sign the bill. The bill is one big package and was singed.
PO
October 3, 2008, 4:54pm (report abuse)Diana, Where did you get your info? The senate will not be voting on this bill until mid November. Get it together!
Crosslaw
October 3, 2008, 5:10pm (report abuse)It is not unusual for the same topic to be inserted into two or more separate Bills. The Unemployment Extension Benefits issue is also attached to Bill H.R. 7110, which was passed by the House of Representatives on September 26, 2008. You can read the Bill on this site (see Title II). Sometimes, the creators of the Bill tack on a specific issue to other bills that contain many other issues as an alternative attempt to get the Bill signed, as there are other issues in H.R. 7110. The President is not very keen on extending benefits...keep up the optimism and call and write to our respective Senators....they have to vote on BOTH bills. There may be other issues contained in H.R. 7110 that will induce the Senate or the President to sign it. H.R. 6867 was an emergency bill containing just one issue.
Crosslaw
October 3, 2008, 5:21pm (report abuse)One silver lining: By the time this Bill passes, your State may change from an "orange" state (7 weeks of additional benefits) to "red" (13 weeks of additional benefits). The latest official percentages that are posted for each State are for August, 2008. We are waiting for September, when unemployment has drastically climbed. Six (6%) percent and over is in the RED zone.
poor american
October 3, 2008, 6:00pm (report abuse)***When I watched c-span, when it passed the block on the t.v stated next step for Bush to sign. I thought that senate had already voted on this bill with a pass, it just needed to go thru congress again where it failed the first time. ?***
The house failed it the 1st time.Went to Senate they added 100 Billion more in Pork Barrel items
to make the Republicans happy and pass it..So it went back to House and they passed it..now goes to Bush to sign..which he did FAST 1 hour later..To become a law (a Bill) the House & Senate must pass it and President sign it.
poor american
October 3, 2008, 6:10pm (report abuse)I believe some here are confused about what Bill is what.
The bailout/rescue bill is the $800 billion bill which passed the House & Senate and signed by Bush its a law now that Bill is HR1424 and doesnt have anything in it for the unemployed.
But the House also today passed a Bill for the extension of unemployment ( a stand alone bill) that was Bill HR6867 and now goes to the Senate to be debated/voted on which will be Nov.17th...and if it passes the Senate...you know who has to sign it..and very rare he does for unemployment!
Patricia
October 3, 2008, 6:15pm (report abuse)The Washingtonpost.com states that the Republicans in the Senate refused to take up the H R 6867 bill after Congress overwhelming passed it this afternoon. It also states the Senate said they are unsure if they will return after the 11/4th election and the bill might be dead for the rest of this year!!!! Remember that folks when you vote on 11/4, what the Republicans & Bush did was reprehensible. I am a Independent and will vote for Sen.Obama & Sen.Biden. WE WILL SURVIVE!!
poor american
October 3, 2008, 6:31pm (report abuse)Its common sense they don't want to pass HR6867 (the Senate)..they (the House) just wanted to vote on it as a landslide victory so the public will re-elect them knowing all the time it will not pass the Senate.
If they really wanted this passed..why follow HR1424 (rescue plan) which was voted on today and passed with HR6867 which they also voted on and passed (House only)...why didn't they just add it to HR1424..they know it will fail is the reason the extension for unemployment!
Patricia
October 3, 2008, 7:05pm (report abuse)poor american. It appears that McDermott tried to get it attached to the Bail out bill as a amendment but the rules committee shot him down last night. I don't know if they played it on the Congress floor to look good to the American people but if Bush wouldn't sign it then they can't make him. When the H R 6867 bill passed Congress last week, Rep. David Drier of CA, said it was a waste of time because the Senate will reject it and Bush said he will veto it. Sen.Reid introduced the Senate version last week but the Republicans shot it down by 52-42. It appears Bush was animate about not signing an Extension of U B. So we don't know if the Senate will return in November and take up the bill passed today, either way I guess Bush still has to sign it and so far he has refused.
keith
October 3, 2008, 7:14pm (report abuse)Can you believe it, the news said the House passed that awful $700 billion bail out and Bush signed it all within 1 hour! How can our US Senate & Congress have allowed him to not agree to sign the bill to extend unemployment benefits. Lou Dodds on CNN said it all "Our Government at work" He is really berating the Senate & Congress about how they got out of town w/o bringing the Economic Stimulus Package which included the extension of unemployment benefits to the Senate floor, a spokesman told Lou that the Republicans in the Senate refused to hear or vote on the Stimulus bill????.
Atlanta
October 3, 2008, 8:43pm (report abuse)I hope this gets passed as quickly as the bail out bill to Wall Street, lord knows we need help here on Main Street. PLEASE GET IT PASSED ASAP!!!!!!!
Change
October 3, 2008, 8:48pm (report abuse)I heard it passed 368 to 38, but we may not see the first check til next year with Congress being out til after the election, that just goes to show you the bail out could'nt wait but we have to.
unemployed in Pa
October 3, 2008, 11:23pm (report abuse)No jobs and now my UC benefits are running out. No extension. 100 Billion dollars in pork projects added to the bail-out bill. The republicans are the ones who opposed the extension. Just a bunch of greedy old men....cold hearted bastards.
New Jersey
October 3, 2008, 11:31pm (report abuse)I have been out of work since 5/07. There are close to no jobs in my line of work and other jobs that I might be able to do, in my area. I have applied for positions and they say I am over qualified, so still, no job. The 2nd extension would be a wonderful, my money is running out.
Please pass this bill, you never know, either you or one of your family might need it soon.
Lisa
October 4, 2008, 12:12pm (report abuse)I hope that they pass this bill, and it becomes effective immediatley! I have one check coming, and then that is it. I have been on countless interviews, and nothing as yet. when you go in for the interview they act like you have the job, and then you never hear from them! how to do pay bills and your mortgage on nothing a month? do not wait until november to pass this. pass it now! how would anyone in congress like to be in the unemployed shoes?
Joy
October 4, 2008, 12:48pm (report abuse)I think that anyone lose their job for whatever the cause was, during very hard times as it is now, should receive their unemployment insurance benefits. It would certainly provide for their needs and their families. A little is a lot better than nothing at all. Please do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Hardship has no respect of person, and no one knows what tomorrow will bring to our doorstep.
bailouts and left-outs!
October 4, 2008, 3:23pm (report abuse)Here is what outrages me the most. Washington and Bush claim victory at passing this insultingly bloated bailout bill at the future expense of all of us...meanwhile failing to include the absolutely necessary unemployment extension (which should have been a full 26 weeks back in the already delayed June pass!) Now, we millions in need have to wait for another pile of nothing from our government? And to top it all off - to fund the bailout bill (oh yeah, tax breaks for race tracks and rum importers) the criminals skim 10% off of our now exhausted unemployment benefits in TAXES? And my weekly benefit amount was LESS than 50% of my previous salary (which I'll never see again in this country). Oh yes, this all makes perfect sense. I'm voting with my anger, and holding the winning candidates ACCOUNTABLE. My heart goes out to all of you, my fellow responsible hardworking citizens. Vote with your story and hold them accountable.
Mark
October 4, 2008, 3:52pm (report abuse)I also heard through the news that the President said he would not be in favor of the extending unemployment compensation. To hear that is not suprising, but is really disturbing. Let me see, the taxpayers bailout corporate America to the tune of 700 billion dollars, not to mention millions in pork, and Mr. Bush indicates he will not vote in favor of extending benefits for the unemployed? Isn't it just like Washingon D.C.! Corporate America gets a "huge band-aid" when its down, mind you through their own fault and greed, and the "real" working class is suffering with little help. I can hardly afford to to pay my bills as it is... I will never ever vote Republican again...
Plus, our government has us send our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and friends to war, in harms way for our country.... And this is the payback we receive?
Listen up you politicians, election day is coming soon... I hope the people voting pay you guys back in full... I sure am... IN FULL
disgusted and outraged in pa.
October 4, 2008, 5:28pm (report abuse)it was all a sideshow by congress.passing h.r 6867(a ploy for re-election) by a landslide.they all damn well knew that the senate was running out of town and would not even address it until they returned nov.17,and if by some chance(very,very slim)they do pass it upon their return,our cold hearted leader has already threatened to veto it.its all bullsh*t and they know exactly how to play the game.over 800,00 hardworking americans are about to exhaust their benefits in a week and the wall street bailout was more urgently needed.this is a shame and a real slap in the face to america's working class.our government should be ashamed of itself for turning it's back on us in our desperate time of need and then passing a bailout who we and our children will be expected to pay back!!!ELECTION DAY IS AT OUR DOORSTEP AMERICA,SPEAK BACK TO THESE COLD HEARTED BASTARDS!!!
Annie
October 4, 2008, 5:58pm (report abuse)Hi Everyone!I was just reading an article in the Associated Press and the bill HR.6867 made it to the senate floor,but was nixed by a Repulican Senator by the name of Wayne Alard.What Washington has done to the hard working people of this country is shameful.The people at the top of the heap are cushioned from all of this.My heart goes out to all of you.I don't know about you but I feel like I have been betrayed.They will use our tax dollars to bailout Wall Street and hang the rest of us out to dry.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-6867
October 4, 2008, 7:29pm (report abuse)Go to this place to stay up on bill 6867
Debra
October 4, 2008, 7:30pm (report abuse)Bail out Wall Street, and hang the working people out to dry is a great way to express the circumstances. That is what it feels like to me also. Nevada has a 7.1 % unemployment rate now. You can't get a job. Quit spending our money on everything but us. Then fix the health insurance problems.
CROSSLAW
October 5, 2008, 2:42pm (report abuse)We must write, via email, to our respective Senators before November and bombard them with all of our thoughts so they return to the Senate and vote on this bill. If everyone does their part, we might be able to get somewhere with this. Tackling the issue at hand will be more effective than to not do anything at all. Their telephone numbers to their D.C. office and their hometown offices are also posted.
I Agree
October 5, 2008, 3:35pm (report abuse)Yes, contact your Senator and tell them to act now! I just emailed both my Senators and I encourage everybody to do the same.
Annie
October 5, 2008, 3:41pm (report abuse)I agree with Crosslaw.We shouldn't go down without a fight.We can use our voices together and bombard Washington.We not only need to get the Senate to vote yes,but they have to stand up to the President for us.When the Senate comes back for the "lameduck session" the election will be over and maybe the atmosphere in Washington will be different hopely.I would like to know where to find the e-mail addresses and telephones of the Senate.Thanks
Chris
October 5, 2008, 4:10pm (report abuse)Annice you can go to website www.senat.gov click on Senators and just find your state and then your senate. I think its disgusting how that added 110 Billion of THEIR pet projects to that bail out bill and then got the heck out of Washington knowing the the Congress was going to pass the H R 6867 bill and then send it to then in the senate. They played us like a violin and I can't see how they can sleep at night knowing 600.000 thousands people are unemployed and just wanted more time to find a job.
Lisa
October 5, 2008, 10:45pm (report abuse)Bush can not veto this bill if the senate gets a vote of 60% or higher, since the house voted over 60% it does not have to go to Bush for a signature. That is what happened with the last extension, because Bush would have gone against that one too, but since both the house and the senate voted 60% or higher Bush couldn't do anything about it. Everyone needs to contact there senators to pass this bill into law when they return on 11/17.
Feed Up!
October 6, 2008, 9:26am (report abuse)I think these officials that we voted in office needs to go back for an emergency session to get this bill passed, they did it for this so call bail out which is helping these fat cats on Wall Street, why can't they do for the Americans that have lost their jobs and don't know if we will be able to pay rent or food next month. We cannot wait until 11/17 for them to get back in session, we need this extension now! We didn't get a chance to vote on this bail out bill and it passed, now it's our turn,The Senate needs to go back for an emergency session and VOTE ON THIS BILL!!!
Ali
October 6, 2008, 1:14pm (report abuse)Even tho the House passed this bill on Friday the Senate disregarded this on Wednesday. They only cared about bailing out wall street and corporate america since that is where they get their bonus money from!! The average american was lost in this and is something we cannot allow.
Call, write the president, senators, CNN - MSNBC and get some coverage and awareness of the lack of caring for the average american!!! Media can work miracles and pressure the government to take action on our behalf.
Other then that I am not sure what it will take, average americans taking their lives out of desperation because they have no money to pay bills, put food on the table, take care of their children.
With the stimulus package and extension aimed at the average american it could boost the economy substantially.
We need HELP in getting the media to focus on this, forget the bailout it is already law, ntohing we can do. They can help us if we push them to focus on our needs.
Cindy
October 6, 2008, 1:43pm (report abuse)I am in Washington State and have been looking for over one year. I have a Masters and B.A. in my field and there are no jobs out here! Compound that with a hiring freeze for Washington State workers, and the job field gets even harder. There are VERY FEW jobs out there and stiff competition for the ones that are available. I would gladly take less money for a related field - but those jobs are not there either. My extended benefits run out next week. CONGRESS: How can you bail out wall street and not help the unemployed? Pass the extension bill or my household is going under. Washington state - Ease up on the hiring freeze!
Sheri
October 6, 2008, 3:30pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill I am a Mother of two all I have are my kids no help from anyone anywhere. People on in need of this ext I have been a collections Supervisor for over 8 years and I can not land a job ! I was told to everyone job opeing there are about 400 people fighting for the job. I have went on inter's where I said please just give me a try and nothing So please on behalf of all of us hurting please pass this bill.
Chris
October 6, 2008, 6:15pm (report abuse)Lisa-I do believe that Bush had a change of heart and did sign the extension of U B back in July. But yes you are right if Senate gets 60% majority then Bush wouldn't have to sign it AND with 750.000 thousands Americans out of work I don't think the Republicans in the Senate would have the nerve to vote against the extension BUT it a matter of WHEN they will show up in Washington again. Yes emailing the media networks is a excellent idea. I emailed CNN & ABC NEWS.
PENNSYLVANIA SENATOR CONTACT INFO.
October 6, 2008, 6:31pm (report abuse)Contact Sen. Arlen Specter via Web Form.
Website: specter.senate.gov
Washington, D.C. Office:
711 Hart Senate Office Building,
District of Columbia 20510-3802
Phone: (202) 224-4254
Fax: (202) 228-1229
Philadelphia Office: (more district offices)
600 Arch Street, #9400
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
Phone: (215) 597-7200
Fax: (215) 597-0406
Philadelphia Office:
600 Arch Street, #9400
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
Phone: (215) 597-7200
Fax: (215) 597-0406
Erie Office:
Federal Building, Suite B-120, 17 South Park Row
Erie, Pennsylvania 16501
Phone: (814) 453-3010
Fax: (814) 455-9925
Allentown Office:
504 West Hamilton Street, 3814 Federal Building
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101
Phone: (610) 434-1444
Fax: (610) 434-1844
Scranton Office:
310 Spruce Street, Suite 201
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18503
Phone: (570) 346-2006
Fax: (570) 346-8499
Martin
October 6, 2008, 7:09pm (report abuse)There are a lot of "MARTINS" out there, this one is a LIBERTARIAN! Don't lump me into that group of 142 Republicans who voted for this bill. Unemployment extensions do not create new jobs, stimulate the economy, or reduce inflation!
It looks like this bill will pass so I'm happy that you'll get your bottle, but when there's no more milk left are you still going to cry?
Mark
October 6, 2008, 11:06pm (report abuse)Hey Martin..
Many hard working Americans have lost jobs to no fault of their own and for once they need help paying their bills so they can put food on the table for their kids, pay the utility bill or heat their home... And you are complaining and have a problem with that? You are a pig headed conceited pansy... People like you are probably used to pushing crayons on your little kindergarden desk and making mud pies... Go change your diaper..
Oh, so I don't forget... I bet you are probably one of those people who are stupid enough to vote for John "the economy is strong" McClueless and Sarah " Im a Hockey Mom" Palin... What a joke... And so are you.. Loser
DAWN HEINDSELMAN
October 7, 2008, 12:46pm (report abuse)I HAVE WORKED ALL MY LIFE AND PAID MY TAXES AND NOW THERE IS NO JOBS AVALIABLE NOT EVEN MINIMUM WAGE JOBS, WE CAN BAILOUT WALL STREET BUT WE CAN NOT HELP FAMILYS IN NEED.I LOST A JOB OF 28 YEARS THAT ALLOWED THEM TO COME INTO OUR COUNTRY AND BUY OUR PLANT THEN FILE BANKRUPCY AND IS STILL OPERATING OVERSEIZE IN ITALY AND WE LOST PART OF OUR RETIREMENT, WHAT IS UP WITH THAT??
crip
October 7, 2008, 12:53pm (report abuse)to martin: rule #1 - if you are going to steal, aim high - that's why I am going to return to school for a master's in finance and do the american dream right- cheat and steal until you get caught, say you're sorry and get bailed out
Stacey
October 7, 2008, 1:16pm (report abuse)Okay, now we have people killing themselves and their families out of despair. I have written my senators, my State Rep, candidate for Govenor, MSNBC, CNN, Washington Post, local news and Brian Williams/NBC. Please everyone write to your elected officials and media. Media pressure can move mountains. Thanks
P.S. I am looking to get my electricity turned off the end of the month is I cant come up with $240.
Connie
October 7, 2008, 2:29pm (report abuse)Hope the addl 13 weeks federal extenion passes. It will help us unemployed a lot to get thru Xmas and new year. I applied everyday for a job and nothing comes up. Its a scary picture out there. Hope you will pass the bill for another unemployment extension.
Lisa
October 7, 2008, 4:34pm (report abuse)Oh Martin, don't you ever learn to just let it go. Big deal you have a job, atleast you say you do, so what are you doing on this site putting nasty comments to those of us who are not as fortunate as you to have retained our employment through no fault of our own. It may come your way to so, be careful who you are looking down on.
Hey, Martin
October 7, 2008, 6:20pm (report abuse)Every single person on this Message Board has paid into Unemployment, hence a deduction on their paychecks for years -- and every single person here is entitled to receive compensation. We have ALL EARNED IT AND PAID FOR IT!
I hope everyone is calling their Senators and telling them they had no RIGHT to leave town without passing this Bill. I am calling my Senator in Washington, D.C. at least every other day and leaving messages on his voicemail. We ALL must do our part to get this job done.
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