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What's Next for the Unemployment Extension Bill
July 8, 2010 - by Donny Shaw
Congress reconvenes from their July 4th recess on Monday and one of their first orders of business will be extending unemployment insurance benefits for the more than 2 million Americans who have had their benefits cut off over the past month due to congressional inaction. Here’s a step-by-step rundown of what to watch for over the next several days as the pieces fall into place for getting the extension out of the Senate and signed into law so that millions of unemployed workers can finally get some relief.
Interim Senator Appointed — Now that the West Virginia Attorney General has issued his ruling on when the next election to replace the late Sen. Robert Byrd [D, WV] should take place, Governor Joe Manchin can pick an interim senator to fill Byrd’s seat in the meantime (see his shortlist). Manchin has been getting pressure from national Democrats to appoint an interim replacement as soon as possible, so we can expect an announcement on his decision soon, possibly even later today. (UPDATE: Manchin today said he would wait until after a special session of the West Virginia state legislature clarifies the law in regards to the next election to fill Byrd’s seat before he appoints an interim replacement.) The speed with which the attorney general issued his ruling on the election issue is a sign that that Gov. Manchin plans on satisfying the request from Washington to act quickly.
Interim Senator Sworn In — Byrd’s interim replacement will be sworn into the Senate relatively quickly. When Sen. Edward Kennedy [D, MA] passed away last year, it on took about 48 hours for his interim replacement, Paul Kirk, to be be sworn into the Senate after being tapped for the job by the Massachusetts Governor. If Governor Manchin picks a replacement for Byrd in the next couple days, there should be no problem getting them to D.C. by the time the Senate is scheduled to reconvene (Monday at 2 p.m.) for a swearing-in ceremony.
Filing for Cloture on Proceeding to the Bill — The Senate will most likely move forward with the version of the unemploymemty insurance bill that was passed by the House last week, H.R. 5618. That way, they won’t have to bounce the bill back to the House again before it can become law. The first step here will be for Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid [D, NV] to file for cloture on the motion to proceed to the bill. This will allow the Democrats to take a vote on overcoming the Republicans’ objections to even bringing the bill to the floor for debate.
Invoking Cloture on Proceeding to the Bill — One hour after the Senate convenes on the second day after the cloture motino was filed, the motion will be “ripe” and the Senate will vote on whether or not to debate the bill despite Republican opposition. If Reid files the cloture motion on Monday, the cloture vote will happen on Wednesday morning. If he delays filing until Tuesday for whatever reason, the vote would be pushed back to Thursday. When the vote takes place, it will require 60 senators voting in the affirmative for it to pass. With Byrd’s interim replacement voting, the Democrats are expected to have exactly 60 votes for this. Debate of the actual bill will then begin.
Invoking Cloture on the Bill Itself — Right after cloture is invoked on the motion to proceed, Reid will file for cloture on the bill itself. This will be a motion to end an inevitable Republican filibuster of the bill and bring it to a vote on final passage. Like the last cloture motion, this will be ripe and ready for a vote one hour after the Senate convenes on the second day after it was filed. That means we’re looking at a Friday vote on this at the earliest.
Passing the Bill — The last step in the process is a simple up-or-down vote on passing the bill. This will be the real test of how dedicated the Republicans are to gumming up the works. Under Senate rules, they could hold the post-cloture period open for up to 30 hours. But it is customary to allow the majority party to hold a vote on passage soon after they invoke cloture since cloture takes 60 votes and passage takes only 50. If the Republicans follow Senate custom and let the vote happen quickly, the bill could be out of Congress and on its way to the President’s desk by the end of next week. If they decide to stall, it will be pushed back to the weekend or next week.
Signing the Bill Into Law — As soon as the Senate approves final passage of the bill, it will be enrolled and sent to Obama to be signed into law. There should not be any delay at this stage since Obama is fully supportive of the extension.
Implementation — State Labor Department will begin fulfilling the new law as soon as the bill is signed into law. Reports indicate that states have been preparing for Congress to pass the extension for months, so there should be very little delay in getting checks sent out. Besides extending the filing deadline for poeople exhausting their current tier of benefits, the bill will require states to pay back benefits retroactively for people who have had their benefits cut off since June 2 due to congressionall inaction, so you can expect a lump-sum payment, or a series of checks, sometime soon following the enactment of the unemployment extension bill if you fall in that category.
Lots of moving parts here. This process could move quicker than what I described here — for example, Republicans could agree to a unamious consent agreement on proceeding to the bill instead of forcing the Dems to take the first cloture vote — or it could get slowed down at just about every step. To follow along with all of this over the next week or so, subscribe to this blog’s RSS feed, or just keep checking back for updates. You can also stay in tough on Twitter and/or Facebook.
(Post updated to incorporate clarification of cloture rules from David Waldman.)
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Displaying 1-30 of 69 total comments.
damn i thought i was the only mother willing to kill myself!!! i have no more tears left…i feel like i need some psychological help im even getting short tempered with my kids and thats a surprise all in itself!!! suicide hotline???? i dont want anyone talking me out of it i just want to go ahead and do it!!!!! wish you the best Suffering MOM and God bless!!
I agree…none of us are getting rich on unemployment. And to play their political games on us, I would have to say some of the least well off Americans in the Country at the time being, is anti-American. We all need to remember these days. We should stand together, and never forget what our Government has done to us during the hardest time of our lives. Don’t just remember them in November, but remember them always. We all need to become more involved since we cannot change anything unless we participate. There are millions of us. We can let them know that we ARE important to this nation and that our opinion matters!
You know i still feel no sense of relief reading this article. I have been to 3 food pantries in the past 3 weeks, now they tell me I cannot get anymore food until next month. So the few little can goods and cereal i received is suppose to last for how long? I cannot do this anymore, I am going to shot myself. I am so tired of crying every night and wondering what else to tell my kids. I understand how you are all trying to figure out how to get even with congress, i would love to do that also, but the reality is that I have no energy to fight back anymore. I wrote tons of letters, made tons of calls and for what??? I have no phone now and i feel like shit.
This process to get back our funds seems too long. All because it doesn’t matter to them that we are soooo messed up.
Should we burn down our homes? or do we need to pray to mother nature to give us a disaster so that they can call this an emergency?
Thanks guys for listening to me vent.
Im lost!!!!!
i wish the media would just come into my home and try to stay for at least 24 hours and have a little bit of a feel of what im going through and its millions of others going through it all….i want them to see what our meals look like and hear my phone from all the bill collectors….come on MEDIA i dare you!!!!!!!!!
we need to make sure that we elect officials who will secure the funds paid out of our paychecks for unemployment insurance. MY wages have paid into this fund for 37 years and with the long time workers there should be money in this fund to help us when we are out of work and we should not have to go through this to get help. This has been a political ploy since the start and sadly I just read what it is. The Republicans want to drive up unemployment for elections in November so they can stand back and say..see the Democrats have done nothing. What a sad way to run this country to hold people hostage to play politicaL games. our companies pay unemployment insurance for a reason and its insurance not welfare and we should not have to go through this. I used to make 25 an hour and just accepted a part time job for 8.85 an hour. So all this crap about us living in luxury on unemployment is horrible. God Bless everyone and all the families affected by this
Note to Republican Senators: NOTHING SHOULD BE AS IMPORTANT AS THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES- NOTHING!!!!!!! I say no more funding for the wars, congressional salaries or pension, foreign aid or anything else until the unemployed are taken care of. Why is deficient spending OK for all those things and not UI extensions? Republicans want this economy to fail, PERIOD! They care more about regaining congress than they do the citizens of this country. Why continue to fund an UNWINABLE WAR (Afghanistan) and not extend UI?
“we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.” Dwight Eisenhower
I was just thinking that it would probably be better if unemployed people all band together (30 million plus) form a new political party, and create a fund to collect donations to disperse to each other totally seperate from any government control, and have a convention sometime between now and November to elect House and Senate candidates in every state to run against all these corporate pandering theives who are up for election and replace them with good honest representatives who will do only the business of the people. But alas, ’tis only a dream.
To me it seems like they are working on phasing out federal extensions all together. If passed, I will be eligible for Tier 1 but will act like its my last because I don’t want to have to go through this emotional rollercoaster again. They want us to take any job that is available, but how much stability can a minimum wage job bring? To all those who say we need to resort to low paying jobs, when are we supposed to search for the jobs we were trained for? At a minimum wage job, we would have to work 12+ hour days just to make ends meet! We would be stuck at a dead end job. To make matters worse, what message are you sending to America’s youth when they see college educated adults flipping burgers? We might start seeing a decline in college enrollment and a dent in consumer spending as more people start saving their money for “rainy years” not “rainy days” because they know they can’t rely on unemployment benefits if there are no “paying” jobs available.
All of you considering suicide or advocating violence against elected officials consider this: THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANT. If you kill yourself you are no longer a problem for them. If you commit violence against elected officials you will end up either dead or in jail. This is part of their plan. Don’t buy into it. Stay alive and fight damn it!!
Note to Republican Senators: NOTHING SHOULD BE AS IMPORTANT AS THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES- NOTHING!!!!!!! I say no more funding for the wars, congressional salaries or pension, foreign aid or anything else until the unemployed are taken care of. Why is deficient spending OK for all those things and not UI… extensions? Republicans want this economy to fail, PERIOD! They care more about regaining congress than they do the citizens of this country. Why continue to fund an UNWINABLE WAR (Afghanistan) and not extend UI?
“we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.” Dwight Eisenhower
Governer Machin is like most Americans. He wants to preserve the job he has(Politician), and advance his career. He is probably making decisions by listening to political power and money. Does anyone really think he or any of the Senators who have stood in the way of passing UI Ext benefits to the millions who need it, are losing any sleep?
The millions of ordinary Americans that have been forced into unemployment lines may not have very much money, or even empathy from other fellow employed Americans at this point, but you have the power of your vote in November. Make sure you make it to that appointment.
One of my close friends shot himself yesterday because he lost his home, vehicle and unemployment. I hope the Gov. of West Virgina appoints someone quickly to fill Senator Byrd’s seat. He would have voted for it if he were alive and my friend would still be alive! I know there are others in my friends situation. Don’t be the man that causes more families heartache & dis-pare.
I think there is another America about to emerge. I think it is an America that will be seperate from corporate America. I think that there are a lot of smart and clever people who are in the unemployment line. I think eventually they are going to realize they need to create some kind of organization that will better support the people. I think it will be like the old farm cooperatives. There are many skilled laborers who could all come together to make new places for the unemployed to go to live and work and be taken care of, to help each other. I think the government is not realizing that people will not just sit around and wait for the calvary to come. Americans are resilient and smart. We will take care of ourselves and the losers will be these corporations and government entities who forced their hand. It will be interesting to watch this develop. I am already seeing some evidence of it.
sounds good hope it all works but this bill does not help those who have exhausted the 99 weeks nor does it help people who have exhausted the tiers and live in a state with no extended benefits. This is still good news if it works nothing is guaranteed and is there another plan if this doesn’t work. Why not create a bill that puts everybody back to work I mean everybody gets a job whatever it is as long as it pays
Here are some stories written with very accurate reporting of the UI Ext Crisis. Million unemployed, not all are recorded with EDD. One job for every five job seekers. State EDDs and agencies do not have on their records everyone seeking and needing their services. California EDD and OneStopResource Center Representatives refuse to enter some jobless Americans into their computer system, when they know there is nothing else they can do for them.
The unemployment emergency
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/05/AR2010070502658.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
Senate struggles with unemployment benefits
http://www.csmonitor.com/Money/Tax-VOX/2010/0707/Senate-struggles-with-unemployment-benefits
Calls to Suicide Hotlines Skyrocket Along with Unemployment
http://uspoverty.change.org/blog/view/calls_to_suicide_hotlines_skyrocket_along_with_unemployment
At this point I’d be more than happy to do whatever job I needed to. But, when you simply “can’t” find a job and even if you COULD you can’t find a job that is willing to hire you at $10 an hr because they think you are “over-qualified”-what is the answer?
I really resent when I hear that those that are unemployed just want to remain so and “live” off of unemployment! PLEASE
I’d LOVE to find a job-I’d much rather be working then worrying about whether Congress cares enough about me or anyone else to pass the UI extension bills.
Stop playing whatever political games you are playing between one another and help this country. We the people have paid into a system to garner these benefits and we the people are also the ones who can make or break voting someone into office. Our great country has never failed to assist another country during a disaster-I don’t know what else you could call our current, economic situation. The people of this country need help-we are truly in a crisis
• GOP are determined to block everything the President is trying to do for the USA right now. He has a vested interest, and seems to take pride in doing the best job he can while in office.
We are in trouble as long as Republican politicians continue favoring their special interest. Why can’t they just do their jobs? We pay them all 6 figure $salaries. They need to stop under-minding the President, and stop ignoring their job responsibilities. Republicans and Democrats they need to start taking their jobs serious.
President Obama speech on CSPAN today, while in Kansas City, MO to support a future candidate. Was right on.
If you are an unemployed American, and are thinking no one understands the difficulties of being jobless. Obama speech articulated the financial and emotional struggles well. Hat’s off to the President for saying what needed to be said.
http://cspan.org/Watch/Media/2010/07/08/HP/A/35248/Pres+Obama+Remarks+at+Fundraiser+for+Missouri+Senate+Candidate
FreedomWorks(Tea Party) has big money donations. Oil&Gas Industry Special Interest group contribute 80%+ to Republicans. Koch Industry lead in contributions. Senators will be listen to them, not the cries of the average Americans. Here are donation recorded. The unemployed dont have Lobbyist and Special Interest groups. This is how it appears for Democrats and millions of average Americans. NO MONEY, NO VOICE, NO CRUMS.
Total individual contributions by party, 1989-2010
The following individuals contributed at least $50,000 to federal candidates and parties during one or more election cycles while affiliated with the organization. Based on data released by the FEC on June 13, 2010
Koch, Charles&Elizabeth Total $494,700 Soft Money $0 Democrats $1,500 Republicans $298,200 Democrates 0% Republicans 60%
Koch, David&Julia Total $2,009,095 Soft Money $1,222,500 Democrats $0 Republicans $1,911,095 Democrats 0% Republicans 95%
Obama is supposed to be speaking today very soon . He will be in Nevada speaking about the enemployment on MSNBC about what they are doing to get the unemployment extension passed. I sure hope they do soon….This is just totally ridiculous what they are doing to the unemployed.
Good idea. I know that there is a Twittermarch going on now too. But we should form a party, like the Anti Tea Party (The Coke Party?). We need to keep the pressure on congress, make lots more noise so that news media starts covering unemployment again…maybe a march to Washington (like we could afford that). How about a virtual mrch to Washington, where we organize people iin every small location from one coast to the other in every community to post a YouTube video about their individual stories about being unemployed; how difficult it is to find ANY work, and what the effect is on themselves and their family of being denied unemployment extension money. We could call each video The Unemployment March to Washington.
Good for you. Get media’s attention, write your Representatives. Mostly, remember to get everyone you know and influence to vote in November against all the Senators who listened to FreedomWorks(Tea Party Movement) Advocates and Big Special Interest groups, and did not hear the cries of the people of the USA.
It is the FreedomWorks influence through the Tea Party movement who has put the pressure on these politicians. FreedomWorks is the front for Big Corporation and Extremely Wealthy. The truth of FreedomWorks (Tea Party) and AmericansforProsperity are that these non-profit organizations are disguised as organizations to protect Americans, but they are really only there for the purpose of helping the BIG WEALTHY corporations, industries, individuals, etc.
Check it out: http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Americans_for_Prosperity
True.
At the same time, Republicans are the ones who are working to win November’s election with the help of Tea Party Movement (FreedomWorks) and their BIG CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SPECIAL INTEREST.
Oil&Gas Industry Contribution 2009-2010
Koch Industries $724,300 14% Dems, 86% Repubs
Kosh has made big contributions to FreedomWorks, a non-profit that funds Tea Party. These 2 organizations are putting a great deal of pressure on Senators to not support UI Ext. with stimulus that require corporations to help pay back through taxes.
Most big corporations have made record profits this year by cutting jobs long-term. They started layoffs in 2007, and putting millions of Americans on unemployment.
They created the business mantra of “Do more, with less”, causing todays workforce to do more job responsibility with no more pay.
This has Lobbies Special Interest written all over it.
We can probably be certain that the Lobbies are extremely busy working for the Coal Mining Corporations’ Special Interest. We know how these companies hold state government hostage under the threat of jobs, while lining their politicians’ pockets. They are just like BP Oil Company. When they look at their bottom line, they see lost lives as small liability in comparison to their profits, executive bonuses, and their own job preservation.
Republicans filibustered UI Ext bill! They’re asking for UI Ext be paid, while at the same time they’re fighting to give their Special Interest groups special tax stimulus. Rep are trying to look like they care about the deficit, but for 10 yrs (Bush Admin) they never spoke of concerns for the huge deficit they were digging us into as they approved large spending for Special Interest. The Rep debate on these UI Ext bills are like “broken record”. They want USA to use the stimulus money that is already committed to the agreed upon projects, programs, etc. Republicans want USA to “rob Peter to pay Paul”, so they can try to prolong the problem past November election. This is how they have operated for YEARS, and we’re in worse shape now because of their IRRESPONSIBLENESS. People should not be in Leadership positions if they cant make decision for the problems at hand.
Dont take my word for it. Please read links Donny Shaw and others have provided with accurate research and reporting.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Contact the president as well.
These corporations seem to think they get a lot of mileage out of those contributions. BP didn’t get such a big return on its investment, did they? I wonder if they would be so eager to invest in the people, say make some contributions of the same amounts to a fund to diperse to the poor and needy, homeless and unemployed? Think they would get a better return on that investment? Think they even care? NO.
http://www.wvgov.org/sec.aspx?id=36
This is Gov. Manchin contact page.
Go NOW, WRITE and CALL and do it often. TELL him we don’t care about his political ambition and make a decsion now!!
things cant move fast enough, but at least we can see a dim light at the end of the tunnel, and hopefully that light wont get turned off by all these rich people in the government who proceed to ruin our lives! i will continue to keep us all in prayer….God bless!!!
I think the reason they have not yet added tiers is that they are having a difficult time just passing the existing extensions and adding new tiers would make it iimpossible. I think once the extensions are passed in they will start discussing new tiers being added. I think the Dems might have a “Lets get over one hurdle at a time” mentality.
Senator’s excuse for not passing is a false statement.
Read all about it:
The funding argument is even harder to swallow. I’d be more sympathetic with these new converts to fiscal responsibility if they were as enthusiastic about paying for extending $32 billion worth of special interest tax breaks as they are about funding the unemployment extension. If I understand correctly, these lawmakers insist that Congress fund every dime of added jobless aid, which nearly all analysts agree will help boost the economy. But they feel no need to pay for continuing these special interest tax breaks, which will not.
Full Story:
http://www.csmonitor.com/Money/Tax-VOX/2010/0707/Senate-struggles-with-unemployment-benefits