Republicans block unemployment benefits, again

[ProSense]

Jobless aid, tax bill hits Senate roadblock again

By ANDREW TAYLOR

WASHINGTON – In another stinging setback for President Barack Obama and Democrats controlling Congress, the Senate on Thursday rejected long-sought legislation to provide stimulus spending and a reprieve for doctors about to get hit with a big cut in their Medicare payments.

The failed measure, killed by a GOP filibuster, would have provided further jobless aid for the long-term unemployed, $24 billion in aid to cash-strapped state governments and the renewal of dozens of popular tax breaks for businesses and individuals.

Less than a week ago, Obama reissued a plea for more stimulus spending as insurance against another recession. But the measure instead fell victim to election-year anxiety over huge federal deficits despite being pared back by Democratic leaders.

The 56-40 vote late Thursday fell four votes short of the 60 required to break the GOP filibuster. Not a single Republican supported the measure even though nine GOP senators had supported even more costly legislation in a procedural vote just three months ago. Ben Nelson of Nebraska was the only Democrat to vote with Republicans to filibuster the measure. Independent Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who caucuses with Democrats, also joined in the filibuster.

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[Teaser]

1. not just the Republicans

but our crappiest Democrats too.
Ben Nelson should just focus on his hobby of being the ugliest shit in Nebraska and retire from politics.

[gateley]

3. Which other Dems?

[Teaser]

6. well, I'm also counting Lieberfuck

.

[gateley]

2. Jesus. Can we just put them all in jail or something? nt

[Clio the Leo]

4. WHY do they HATE America? nt

[treestar]

5. Can any of that go by reconciliation?

Sounds like some of it affects the budget.

[Teaser]

7. Reconciliation instructions for a given item have to be put into the budget beforehand.

I don't believe it was ever done for this matter.

[TheKentuckian]

8. We've got some hiders abstaining as well or it would have passed.

This is bullshit, there are people that can't pay rent or put food on the table.