Senate passes unemployment extension by unanimous vote

November 04, 2009 06:53 PM EST

views: 1890 | comments: 10

Earlier this evening the Senate voted unanimously to pass bill H.R. 3548, a federal extension of unemployment benefits. This vote comes at the end of a long, arduous process since the House of Representatives passed its version of the bill over a month ago. The bill provides up to 14 weeks of extended unemployment coverage for unemployed Americans in all 50 states, with an additional 6 weeks for a total of 20 weeks for those states with a three-month average unemployment rate of 8.5% or higher.

House members have pledged to act quickly on this legislation - as early as the end of this week.

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Tags: top stories, national, commentary, senate, us government, unemployment benefits extension, unemployment extension vote, hr 3548, politics, house of representatives, vote passed

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Comments: 10

Jim Harmon Nov 4, 2009, 6:56pm EST

Pledging to act quickly is one thing... PASSING it is another. They can quickly take one look at it, decide they don't want all the amendments, remove the amendments they don't want, pass the revision, and send it back to the Senate all before breakfast on Friday.

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Elizabeth R. Nov 4, 2009, 7:37pm EST

It's a good beginning. Let's hope they actually follow through.

Liza Rivera Nov 4, 2009, 7:51pm EST

Isn't it?! My unemployment ran out the last week of August. I'm a single mom and my back round was banking/finance. I've been unemployed for two years and have had heck of a time finding a job that pays what I'm used to. Not to mention, I live in California where everything cost's an arm and a leg. With this hold up in the Senate, I had to go and apply for aid.

Mike R. Nov 4, 2009, 10:10pm EST

Sounds like you're having a tough time Liza - hang in there! Hopefully your luck will turn around soon.

Elizabeth R. Nov 6, 2009, 12:31am EST

I am sorry you are having such a rough time, Liza. I, too, live in California and the odds of my getting another job are slim to none. I sincerely hope all this will turn around very soon.

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Love from Darlene! Nov 4, 2009, 10:05pm EST

I am happy the bill passed. Thanks for all your articles on this issue.

Mike R. Nov 4, 2009, 10:10pm EST

I am too Darlene. No problem, thanks for following!

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chris stewart Nov 5, 2009, 8:40am EST

bout time ! i think we ALL have waited long enough

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Kenny B Nov 5, 2009, 8:56am EST

My wife has been paying all the bills for the last 2 months,hopefully this will be a temporary stress relief.i wonder how soon i will i see a check b4 my car get repossessed.

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