House Republicans, Like Their Senate Counterparts, Won’t Help The Unemployed

Just like their brethren in the Senate, House Republicans refused to extend unemployment benefits.

Democrats brought up the measure under special rules that require a two-thirds majority for passage. But they failed to win sufficient support from Republicans, who expressed concern about the measure’s $33 billion cost to the federal treasury.

The bill would help as many as 1.7 million people whose unemployment insurance benefits have run out. It would extend an emergency unemployment compensation program through November 30.

Democrats said the spending was justified to help the unemployed pay their bills and to boost the economy.

Guess what happens when benefits accrue to people who need the money?

“When you provide unemployment insurance to people, they spend it,” House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander Levin said. “If Republicans are worried about growth and consumer demand, they should work to put money in the pockets of people who are desperate, who are out of work, who are looking for work.”

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.