Mira

This would gie the remaining 13 weeks of the original 26 weeks extension right? Why wasn't the total 26 weeks given in the first place , this is a no brainer.

Tina

I would love to see this pass.

miguy

We need to start coming to this bill to get it's numbers up.

Patriots

This only gives a 7 week extension, whats up with that. We can give the nation of Georgia 60 billion but can't come up with the remaining 13 weeks of the 26 week emergency extension. Come on McDermit get with the real program, quit trying to buy votes.

rosie

7 weeks that'll help us.. where's the other 6?

Kim

This will help a lot of people in serious need, in the states that don't have a great deal of jobs available for all types of employment. This NEEDS to pass. Every little bit helps

emmy

I still can't find a job after original claim +13 weeks of ext. trying .... apply for everything that I know of.... I have excell. work history, great skills but there are no jobs in my area. I'll appreciate 7 xtra weeks but unless some miracle happens, I'll be in this same situation in the dead of winter w/o anything. We've exhausted savings and my. husband works for min wages....not an easy thing and I'm terrified.
Does anybody think this bill has a chance in heck of passing????

Illinois

I think this will pass, but how long will it take? The last extension took almost 6 months, during that time I went thru all of my savings, I don't know what I will do if this bill takes 6 months. I have 3 young kids to take care of, winter coming and absolutely no money to fall back on. I worked my whole life, saved money, gave to charity - I never gave a thought to how families survived living below poverty. Now I am living it, never again will I take anything for granted.

12 step

we got alot of new Ppl coming into AA meetings andalanon,alateen
my house is gone!and Ppl are going crazy and are looking for a way out and help anywhere how can we say trust your higher power and let itgo.Putting Something Over
Pulling the wool over someones eyes and putting something over on someone describe the behaviors of conniving, manipulative, destructive narcissists. These people are dedicated to taking advantage of others in any way possible in their search for reassurance of their superiority. They revel in their successes and can become very angry and hurt if you suggest that there is anything wrong in the tactics they use to achieve their goals. They, of course, can do no wrong, and if they use what you are terming as unfair tactics, it is only because that is what everyone else is doing, and therefore they are justified in using these tactics.
Loving the Self-Absorbed: How to Create a More Satisfying Relationship with a Narcissistic Partner, Nina W. Brown, Ed.D

Kelly

I think this 2nd ext. will pass!And relatively quickly compared to the last.

I think that both R's & D's will agree (eventually) on the first 7 weeks for all States across the board and an additional 6 weeks for States that are at 6.0% and higher.

Kelly

Right now there are 33 States at below 6% unemployment and 18 States AT 6% and higher.

Those figures are based on July's statistics.

Our new unemployment States figures come out on Friday 9/19 @ 10am (reflecting Augusts stats)

We are going to see a lot of the now under 6% go into the above 6% category.

12 step

lets all trust in infinite GOD then our finite self's.

Nina

With the continuing high rates of unemployment, with several states, over 7% (california, alaska and michagan). There is an urgent need for another extension of benefits for another 13 weeks... so that total benefits are for 1 year...

Illinois

Okay, new info, there was a new bill introduced related to unemployment, S.3507, it provides unemployment ext to states above 6%. Not sure what they expect other states to do? I will keep an eye on this and update with any info I can find!

New Jersey

WE NEED TO TAKE ACTION UPON THIS ADDITIONAL 7 WEEKS OF EXTENSION BENEFITS ASAP...THERE ARE NO JOBS AVAILABLE...I HAVE LOOKED DOOR TO DOOR WITH MY RESUME IN MY FIELD, WHICH IS LEGAL SECRETARY, AND OUT OF MY FIELD, PT & FT, NO ONE IS HIRING....PLEASE DON'T THINK ABOUT IT, JUST DO IT, ASAP.
NO TIME TO WASTE THINKING ABOUT IT.
VIP.

crook

Looks like congress is going to have to take care of investors
bad debt first so they can gamble some more money on wall st. In stead of them filing for banruptcy
like everyone does when they make bad money deals. Look like they will come first before this bill will be passed. I wonder if the FEDs will bail me out of my race horse. I spent 100k and he won't run. Maybe I can get my money back from the Feds and I can gamble some more.

GB

There are many $6.50 jobs out there
so you might as well get use to them. UI will run out and people
will be forced to take them anyway. I think this is our gov plan. When it comes to creating jobs it dosen't matter what they pay anymore as long as they are created !!

Tracy

I hope they pass this bill, and fast. My extension will run out the first week of October, with no job in sight. No one is hiring, not even part time min. wage jobs in the area that I live in Florida. The new unemployment rate in Florida is now 6.5%. Come on congress, get this bill moving so we can stay in our homes, and not be living in the street.

JEANINE

I NEED THE EXT. SINCE THERE ARE NO JOBS NOT FOR LACK OF LOOKING. THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN GA IS 6.9 WE CAN SEND BILLIONS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS OVERSEAS THAT DOES NOT HELP ME TO FEED MY KIDS AND KEEP MY HOME.

Lisa

I really need this extension too. This needs to pass quick before the first extension runs out. Not only can we send billion sof our tax dollars overseas, now we are bailing out banks. What about the people that need the help through no fault of there own. Please pass this bill, we need it NOW.

Scott Holt

I have a disabled wife if this bill doesn't go through I and my wife will be on the street. I am 56 a retail manager and have sent out over 400 resumes and apllication. Please pass this bill.

Ken, Ohio

If the government was doing their job a lot of us would be working. My former employer paid into the system for federal unemployment and now it's time to start paying it out to those who need it. Charity begings at home not Iraq.
Pass the other 13 weeks that should have originaly been an additional 26 weeks, and not 13 months from now, but ASAP! continuious with out interuption. Who cares about a capital gain tax benefit when no one can claim it?, since the market is in the dumper. Who cares about a tax reduction if your out of work, "no work=no tax" NO BRAINER.

Dee

I really need the 2nd extension also. Lost my job with a home builder in Aug. 2007 Living in FLA. Husband is a self employed contractor and has not had steady work in over 3 mos. However, the bills are still arriving every month income or not. Please help us who have worked so hard to have a home that we are trying to pay for each month just to survive.

RTP

Here we go again. I do think this will pass much faster than the last go-round. Esp. given the news of the past week ( 9-17,18-08). What are people to do ?

RTP

Jan

I really hope they past a 13 week program rather than this back and forth stuff. It should have been 26 weeks to begin with - I know people who are in desperate need.

They need to bring jobs back into this country. What our elected officials failed to realize is that when you don't work, YOU DON'T PAY TAXES. Someone in India is building up there country when they take jobs from the US. It's time for our elected officials to stop taking lobbist money and start looking out for their voter's or we going to vote them out.

carl

Sign the petition
We strongly urge you not to issue a blank check to the Wall Street giants who have steered our country into financial dire straits. We must address this crisis quickly and prudently. Do not give these companies a dime of taxpayer money unless they agree to the following conditions

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/no_blank_check/?r_by=-1781893-75zKJ... />
No blank check for Wall Street.
Congress is on the brink of making a one-sided deal to give George W. Bush a blank check to bail out his pals - offering nearly (or perhaps more than) a trillion taxpayer dollars to Wall Street to cover its bad debts. That works out to somewhere between $2000 and $5000 from every American family. So what do the taxpayers get in return?

Nothing. No new regulation or oversight to help avoid this kind of crisis in the future. No public interest givebacks to help people whose homes are in the hands of the banks.free fax http://faxzero.com/ fax ur reps

Martin

Are you trying to turn us into France?

They have a much higher unemployment rate and Frenchmen stay unemployed for longer periods than Americans. When the unemployed get more benefits the employed have to work harder to support them. Unemployment benefits in France are too great so almost nobody gets fired.

Do some research before you start praising a bill for giving handouts to "unfortunate souls". I'm sure the vast majority of people who draw unemployment eventually get another job or go onto some other welfare program. WE DON'T NEED THIS!

Lisa

Obviously MARTIN you have never been in this position, otherwise you would not have posted such a stupid comment. This can happen to you too. I never thought it could happen to me when I was bringing home $1,000 every week, but things can change very quickly, and everything you have been working for is gone. Such as savings accounts. So, don't try be so superior, it may come back to you in a negative way. Maybe you will be on welfare.

theresa

Oh, Martin you have serious issues. Apparently, you have not done your research on the unemployment situation in this country. If you had you would not have called us "unfortunate souls". That is very sad, and furthermore why are you even posting comments to this site. It seems to be way above your standards. I hope someday you can feel what is like to have your life changed through no fault of your own, and maybe have to collect food stamps like alot of us are having to do right now in order to feed our children. I feel very sorry for you, because remember just for your nasty remarks god will give you yours.

Nancy

This is the first time I've heard of this new extention bill. I'm already halfway through my first extension and wondering what in God's name I'll do in a few weeks. Maybe there's hope after all. I know people at all work levels who can't find jobs here in Reno, NV. I'm feeling a little ashamed that I have to have public assistance but it's the first time in 36 years. People who have jobs right now just don't understand that we are not unemployed by choice. Unemployment compensation is barely enough - but I thank God and the State of Nevada for it. My company closed down and moved my job to Mexico, because it's cheaper all around. But what will happen when our country is so undermined that the bottom drops out completely? The situation is sad and the economy is the worst I've seen in my 56 yrs of life. Blessings to all of my unemployed fellow job seekers out there... my heart is with you.

Martin

I'm very glad you actually read my post and mulled over the ramifications of this bill. When someone brings up concrete facts it's nice to know we can all agree on them and not resort to personal attacks.

I'll admit I've never been on unemployment and I'm not saying it's a pointless program or doesn't do any good. I'll reiterate though, increased unemployment benefits hurt businesses. They make it less likely for someone to be fired, thus less likely for someone to be hired. If the REAL problem is that there aren't enough jobs then you're barking up the wrong legislation.

Also, the fact that some of you make more unemployed than I do employed kinda pisses me off.

Sad But True

We all know how hard it is to find a job these days. I am sure just about everyone here can relate to this... This past MOnday morning, I went to apply at a local Vet's Office, for a $7.00/hr (though full time) job - cleaning kennels. October will be a full year that I have been unemployed, with my career background being in the mortgage/finance industry. I was one of 11 people in there filling out the application. The girl at the front desk took call after call after call of people looking for info about the job. I just kept hearing her repeat herself over and over again. They had been busy with applicants the entire morning, with more to come in the afternoon. I could not believe that there were so many people vying for a $7/hr kennel cleaning job. It is REALLY that bad out there. WE DESPERATELY NEED THIS ADDITIONAL EXTENSION! All the luck to all of us that are unfortunately, but no fault of our own, stuck in this horrible boat.

Nony

It's next to impossible to fire or layoff workers in France, unlike here, where there is almost no job security. Unless you have a contract, employment here is 'at will' meaning you can be fired for any reason or for no reason. Labor laws in America reflect an almost complete lack of respect for workers. Most who have lost their jobs would rather have kept them, along with their dignity. No one likes being unemployed. But if they are, their government should have a safety net available, particularly when that same government's failed policies and corruption contributed to (some would say caused) such massive job losses.

This bill should have been signed into law weeks ago. The days of 'tough luck, you're on your own' need to end.

Common.....

.... people really need this bill to pass....call/write your Congressmen & Senators! We're spending billions to bail out fraud on Wall Street....we can surely pass this bill to help out the unemployed (over 6% now nationally)!!!!

Mary in Fla

I don't think this bill will pass.
The Gov't. will not have the money after the big bailout, Bush will not sign it.

Also after October 4th the Gov't will say those collecting UE has gone down and seems the economy is doing better...but they forget after Oct.4th those collecting the extended 13 weeks are done, but still unemployed!

same old chit

well the $700 billion bailout passed. we just helped out the rich who were greedy and will get richer now.

Foreclosures are caused by people out of work with no money, not investments on wall street.
I never invested yet, how can I poor most of life!

Gary in RI

The people in Rhode Island really need the 7 week extension and the additional 13 weeks for states over 6% unemployment.
the unemployment rate in RI just hit 8.5% thats insane!

RTP

Mary,

You are so right. But, let's consider if Mr. Bush does not sign this bill it is going to hurt the Republican party... Because, he did not sign it. After Oct. 4th my extension benefits are done, I'm 62 yrs. old.... try looking for work and being 62 yrs. old.... Nothing... nothing... Once, this bill is signed and the extension is put in place it will hold me until I can collect SS at the early rate.

RTP

PA

I am a 50 year old who has worked for over 30 years and lost my job in September 07 and have applied to every job I know how to do, what I am hearing is, I am to over qualifed, come on, I applied for jobs 15.00 less then what I was making,just to land a job for my family to help out my wife who is pulling all the weight, working double shifts, between two jobs. she needs a break, without another extension to help for the winter months heating we will be forced to look for a small apt. we will have to sell our house or lose it.

Sheru

I've been working for 34yrs and loss my job in January. This extension will give me more time BUT the Republicans are against it in the House and Bush said he wouldn't sign it because its TOO COSTLY!!!!. Yet Bush & the Republicans in the Senate and Congress are about to ok a 700 BILLION dollar Bail out for Corporations. If that doesn't tell American what the Republicans think of us unemployed average John Doe & Jane Doe, well nothing will. I can't wait til 11/4th is here because I don't want to see another Republican in Congress, Senate, or the White House. They don't care a darn about middle American.

Taylor

The bill in the Senate was shot down by the Republicans. The Extension of Unemployment benefits in the House was argued against by David Drier of CA. Thats the same state that the Governor Arnold S. sent a letter to Washington to pass this bill because his state is hurting, how can his fellow Republican vote against it and says it too costly but yet they're playing with a 700 Billion dollar bail out for large corps. I hope its get thru the House and Bush signs it. We need help/more time to find a job.

sherri

There are alot of "MARTINS" out in America, they're called REPUBLICANS!! and the only thing we can do to change that is to vote Democratic on 11/4th. We have seen the hell that they have put this country in for the pass 8 yrs so comments like Martin's don't surprise me at all. You should watch how arrogant they are on C-SPAN when they are arguing bills placed on the floor. Its disgusting!!!

Karla

I also agree with all of you. I've been unemployed since March and honestly, I've been thru a few interviews, but they all say they will call. It's a difficult situation for me right now b/c I'm a mother of twins and my husband it's the only one working right now. Yes, I'm currently collecting extended benefits, but will finish the end of October, what next? I really wish they approve an additional extension and help all of us that are seeking work and still can't find one. Good luck to all of us and lets pray this bill is approved.

doomed

Bush was the WMD, not Iraq!

Can see the news in three weeks.

Unemployment payouts go down-why it expired the 13 weeks for 1.4 million.

Companies are hiring- why its for Part time less then 60 days, shopping malls for x-mas at $7.25 per hr.

The bailout will not help us, just the rich. Read about those who work on Wall Street might lose their homes..$3-8 million price
tags feel sorry for them (yeah).

Vote Obama...we gave the others 8 years look what happen!

Nony

It's very clear whose side Bush, McCain and all their cronies are on. Their game is called 'taking from the poor and giving to the rich'. Republicans and Bush have consistently voted against unemployment benefits, regardless of the jobless rate. wHY? They do not believe in the program. Shame on them. 700 billion bailout, but no relief for Main Street? It's outrageous. November is the time to let them know what you think by VOTING THEM OUT OFFICE.

nony

hey guys, these codes you have to enter in the security box are IMPOSSIBLE to read. i had to retry about six times. what's with that?? please fix!

Kris

My extension runs out the 1st week in October and NO jobs are out there, not even part time!! This NEEDS to pass NOW!! We desperately need this 2nd extension and FAST!!

Missy Mitchell

I have a bachelor and Master degree in social worker and I cannot find a job. My unemployment is running out in Oct. It is really sad that our country will bail out crooked investors and allow hard working decent citizens to suffer and experience financial hardship without even given it a second thought. This country will eventually reap the negative consequences of what they are doing, economically it will eventually effect the wealthy as well as those of us struggling.

Cheryl

This country needs to WAKE UP and look at how we are being destroyed economically- We can make a difference on election day. Vote Obama -This is serious business.

Gary

This bill needs to pass!
There are thousands of displaced workers due to the mortgage crisis
who are changing careers due to being unable to find a job in the financial services industry. They are exhausting their beneits in 2 weeks. It takes time to retrain and find a new job.

Vicki

Martin, you obviously are lucky to have a job & consider that someone getting $200 (before taxes) a week is luckier than you. Shame on you for being so smug about people having life altering problems that they did not deserve. And, by the way--unemployment compensation HAS NOT stopped companies from firing employees. It is still a whole lot cheaper to pay into unemployment compensation funds than to pay employees & fund any type of benefits for those employees. Unemployment compensation tax rates are the cheapest "benefit" paid by an employer. I have a car that is paid for, rent an apt and by the grace of God get by with extra food now & then provided by my relatives. Without being able to find a job after applying for at least 40, every penny of my unemployment compensation goes to pay rent, electric, & gas for my car.Maybe I will find out if there are better programs out there for the homeless. Or better yet, why don't you tell us all where you work and if they are hiring--

jim

martin can pretend to be and say anything that he wants in this forum... things are not always as they appear. Extreme inferiorities,inadequacies and insecurities, will drive small men to belittle others so that it allows them to feel better about themselves in some sick way. Go figure!

susan

We need an extension of the orig. ext ASAP What are people to do? take their lives - then you won't have our taxes to pay off the 'bail out' ! My taxes have helped everyone else all of my 30+ yrs of non-stop employment; worked my way through college w/no assistance from any gov't program. Now I need HELP as do many other ong term hard working people who have NO ONE to come to their aid in order to survive - yet the gov't runs to help out Wall St AIG & all the banks ... It's not right !!! HELP IS NEEDED NOW.

nette

i agree with that comment and i also feel that the second unemployment extension is a priority right now. i am a mother of 4 and i have always worked sometimes 2 jobs to support my family. the jobs are scarce, trust me,i'm looking! we really need this so lets all pray this happens!

W.REED

THE WALL STREET BAILOUT FAILED!! GOOD!!! PRESIDENT BUSH THREATENED TO VETO THIS BILL(H.R 6867) IF IT PASSED THE SENATE SAYING IT WOULD BE TOO EXPENSIVE AND IT WOULDN'T WORK IN HELPING THE ECONOMY.OK MR.BUSH!!YOU SAY NO TO MAIN STREET,MAIN STREET SAYS NO TO WALL STREET!!! LET'S ALL GO DOWN TOGETHEIR,THE RICH AND THE POOR!!! AMEN!!!!!

Ed

Does anybody know what is the status of this bill. Is it even going to be discuss by the house this week? I heard that Bush has threatened to veto it. I have applied for over a hundred jobs since being laid off and can't find any work. This bill needs to pass ASAP, it's bad out here.

GB -One more for the road..

I have called all the numbers I could find. They say ok .. ok but
they seems to only care about WALL ST and sticking there bad investments back to the hard working tax payers. Then give you another loan if you need it. NICE way to make a buck !! They act as if they can't accept a bad investment! (invest at your own risk) I can hear BUSH playing " One more for the Road ...
before we quit it" !!! Nice way to go out Mr BUSH sticking everyone with $ 700 billion !!

Congress is Sneaking out..

I have work all my life and now will lose my employment in 2 weeks.
This money is suppose to be put in a unemployment trust fund !! Did they use it all for the war ? Looks like congess is going to sneak out of town and wait untill
JANUARY to come back "BESURE TO VOTE AGAINST THEM WHO VOTED NAY. Looks like its time to move back in with mom.

Tom

What if you don't have a mom?

sherri

Email and call you Democratic Congressman/woman and your Senator to tell them to twist Bush's arm and make him sign the extension bill. It did pass the Congress but its in limbo somewhere. I can't find out when or where the bill is or if it will be given to Bush. How can he say its too costly and turnaround a sign a $700 Billion dollar bail out for greedy corporations and how can Congress allow him to do that. I would hold that Bail out bill hostage until Bush signed the Stimulus package, then dumb the Bail bill altogether.

Vegas

Last month Nevada was at 7.1, a 23 year high. Some counties are at 10+ and the lowest state is 6.6. Thanks Californians for moving here to buy houses and screwing up the whole economy, including house prices as they did to Oregon and Washington after the earthquake.

Donald W. Dyer

I have regestered to vote for the first time since 1982 and all in office in my vote are going bye bye. These Bastards have no intention of helping you or anyone else. Only their own interests.

EJ

Anyone know when this bill will be considered..AGAIN...The republicans again voted no.

EJ BREN

Anyone know the status of this bill?. The republicans voted it down again. 3 votes short of passing.

harold l.

my wife and i have been out of work for more than a year. our extension runs out in 3 weeks. with winter coming and 25%higher heat bills it looks like a cold winter here in michigan with our 8.9%unemployment.please pass this bill. THANK YOU

Karen C

Please call your representatives and tell them to pass this bill now. No money for Wall Street before Main Street. Get their priorities straight.

Paul

This bill is attached to the stimulus package or one similar is.
it passed the house and is now in the senate. Probably won't pass that way.. they have very little time to put this up again. If they don't pass another extension many people like myself in california won't have any money at all. I have been trying to find work for many months now and there just aren't any jobs here unless u want to work for 8$ an hour and be homeless.

sherri

The H R 6867 passed in the House and is waiting for Bush to sign it or veto it. Pelosi is pressing the point correctly to Bush, that how can say this Stimulus bill is costly and yet want the American people to pay for a $700 Billion dollar bail out bill??????. Hopefully they will be able to change Bush's cold heart and he signs the bill or they can play wave the Bail out bill in his face and make him sign it. Either way I just hope it gets signed. We need it and that infrastructure rebuilding when instantly create construction jobs too. I can't understand why the Republicans & Bush are so against something that will help so many regular John & Jane Doe's out here.

Taylor

The bill in the Senate is the one that didn't pass BUT the Congress bill H R 6867 it passed thru Congress. I was watching C-SPAN this Tuesday morning and the asst Press Sectretary was asked a question about this Stimulus Bill and he said a extension was given in July for 13 wks. The female reporter told him the extension is running out but it danced around it & got back to the $700 bail out bill. The female reporter said ok if Congress wants the Stimulus package attached in some one to the Bail out bill, will Bush sign it. He said thats up to the people that are negotiating the Bail out bill. I can't understand how President sleeps at night because he's fighting this extension and it just doesn't make any sense. Here we are sending Billions of dollars to other countries every month and we can't take care of our own people here for a few weeks. I hope they get Bush to sign this extension too.

Chris

I believe the H R 6867 passed in Congress and is on Bush's desk for veto or to sign it. I guess it got thru Congress with 2/3 votes so it bypassed the Senate & goes right to the President. I think they are trying to get Bush to sign it because he can't expect for America to pay for this Bail out bill of $700 Billion AND then tell us he wouldn't sign the Stimulus bill because its too costly. Call & email your Reps in Congress & the Senate to make sure this bill gets signed by Bush. I don't know why he hasn't signed or vetoed it yet, so maybe it is being strongly pressed to Bush by Congress/Pelosi and others.

haleh

What level of unemployment rate must a state have to qualify. Is it 6% and above or 6.5% and above?

Lisa

The new extension if passed will be 7 weeks for all states, and an additional 13 weeks for states with unemployment rates of 6% or higher.

EJ Bren

Let's see. 7 weeks is just enough to get past the election and then ends dead winter...Great, There's no jobs available. It's getting worse not better. I'm going to lose my home damn it!

EJ Bren

Give me a job!..Invest in our roads and bridges and create jobs...What the hell is wrong with these republicans! sending our jobs & money overseas...wake up!

Marie

In all of research and experience in extending unemployment only EXTENDS beings unemployed. As people leave the workforce their fall behind in their skills. What we need to understand is that this is a global economy. It is NO LONGER the time where you "specialized" on one thing and do that one thing for the rest of your life. This is not the politicians fault. The advances in technology and science clearly has eliminated some of the jobs.

Sending our jobs overseas is not entirely the fault of politicians (democrats or republicans) and businesses. It's also about surviving as a business, and be more competitive. Would you rather have companies sends some jobs abroad? or close down the business completely? The answer to that is no brainer. If the benefits of outsourcing exceeds its cost then those jobs should be outsourced. As for our part, instead on hoping someone will give us a JOB, how about we try to improve our skills, and marketability. LEARN SOMETHING NEW!

Marie

To anyone who hates Bush (I'm not a fan, but don't hate him either), be careful what you asked for. Taking out much of hate and looking at it logically, his tax cut prevented this country from going down the toilet. When Obama wins in november and gets what he wants which I'm sure he will since democrat controls congress. Don't be surprised that more businesses will close due to tax increase. Don't be surprise if unemployment hits double digits. We have been here before, raising taxes DURING economic downturn and it WAS ugly. Many of your probably won't remember, think of depression, the 80's recission and early 1990's. WE IN THE END ARE THE ONE WHO SUFFERS. Taxing the so called "rich" equates to unemployment for us. IF you're going to vote based solely on emotions, please refrain from voting. Unfortunately, we all suffer from the mistakes of others.

EJ Bren

Marie.. You are so full of it! Taxes are part of our economy..Corporations making Billions $$$...Where are the JOBS?? You had a taxcut for the past 8 yrs...You Lost 600,000 jobs. And the country is broke.... You Fool nobody!

EJ Bren

Marie is part of the Elitist top 2% Who want you to become a Wally Mart greeter... Damn TRAITOR pushing foriegn goods for their wealth....Sickening!

jim

Marie is an escort catering to Wall Street. Hand job 5k.

KJ

Does anyone know if this bill will, or its intent, be ncluded in the revised rescue plan to be voted upon by the Senate 10-1-08?

Joey

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can also email your congressman. Go to http://www.house.gov/ and find your congressman's email.

Brian

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

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

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.

PJ Doland

This is the worst possible time for this.

G.Bush

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

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

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

EJ BREN

The Lines are Jammed!...Can't get through.

Patricia

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

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

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

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

FINAL VOTE FOR H.R 6867:

YEA- 368
NAY- 38

IT PASSED CONGRESS!!!!!

Sue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diana, Where did you get your info? The senate will not be voting on this bill until mid November. Get it together!

Crosslaw

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

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

***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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

Go to this place to stay up on bill 6867

Debra

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Chris

There are alot of Martins out there so its best to ignore them because we understand ignorance at its lowest! I have worked and paid into this system for 34 years and you better believe that the government should do something to help me and 100's of thousands of other Americans. Its the right thing to do because we have paid our taxes for years and years and need help. Thank God Bush will be gone in January & hopefully the Senate Majority will be 60% Democrats because they have a proven record of trying to help the average American. Remember it was the Republicans they tried to stop the Extension in July!. I don't know how they can sleep at night with some of the dirt they have done with stopping bills that would help the ordinary person. CHANGE IS COMING!

Barbara

To our government - Clean up your act!! You pass a bill for Wall Street that won't even help 90% of the current homeowners that are headed for foreclosure. You also forget the working class people. We need help. I have been out of work for 12 months. I submit applications left and right. But it doesn't do any good when I can't even get an interview. Sign a second Unemployed Extension. This time make it for 26 weeks. It is what we deserve. We support our government during difficult time - it is your turn to support US!!

Patricia

The Democratic Senators didn't have enough votes to pass the extension w/o the 60% majority to skip pass Bush. The word came down from Bush to his fellow Republicans in the Senate that he was not going to sign the bill so they felt it was a waste of time to even vote on the bill knowing it wasn't going to be 60% and Bush wasn't going to sign it. Thats how the current Washington works, thats why when Bush said he would sign the first extension back in July, then the lap dog Republicans voted yes to it. Thats why I can't wait to vote my senator out of office on 11/4th. The Republicans have shown themselves to be uncaring for the regular person. This Unemployment isn't welfare, we have worked and paid into this system to be entitled to Unemployment and in such a messed up economy, I can't understand why Bush wouldn't sign the Bill to extend the U B for 13 weeks. BUT what does he care,he never got his hands dirty except by swinging a golf club on his favorite golf courses.

LMFAO

Remember that $85 billion government bailout of insurance company AIG? Surely executives there must be under the gun, working all hours to dig the company out of trouble. Our taxpayer dollars demand that, right?

Nope. Less than a week after getting the $85 billion commitment, AIG execs went on a week-long retreat at the luxurious St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach, Calif. The trip cost AIG almost half a million dollars, including $200,000 for rooms, $150,000 for meals and $23,000 in spa charges.

Sometimes, after you've worked hard at running a company into the ground, only a pedicure will do.

And extending U.C benefits to the people who are paying for this is too much to ask!!!!!

Mike

This is political theater and we are the puppets. The house knew the senate was gone when they passed it. They did it to cover themselves because of the election.The democrats in the senate are incompetent & weak They want the republicans to look bad & the republicans want leverage to introduce amendments & don't care...& of course King George is as always out of touch and uncaring. So we are the ping pong ball in the middle.

I live in Michigan and heard our Senator Levin Spoke on unemployment on the senate floor He gave a short 3 minute speech with no inflection no effort. It was so obvious the only thing he cared about was doing enough so he could say he did something because he's up for election. The result was nothing. No vote and after they gave wall street almost a trillion $ they all went home. This is like a sick movie but it's real and I can't turn off the TV. We got to find a way to make politicians accountable!

chris

Sen. Reid also made a speech on the floor of the Senate to pass the Senate version for the extension of U B, but then a Republicans stepped up and said it was a waste of time because Bush will not sign it and as a result 52-42 is NOT a majority. I don't know if was window dressing or not but at least the attempt was made by the Dems in the House & Senate. I see Sen. Charles Schumer sure got his student loans earmark attached to that Bailout bill and also the earmarks for wooden arrows and tax breaks for Rum in Pueto Rico and for the Hollywood producers were added to the Bailout bill to get some Republicans to change their vote from No to Yes. None of the Democrats fought to add the extension of U B to the bailout bill but Rep McDermott tried to add it as a amemdment to the bailout bill but the Rules committee said no and the Rules committee is majority Democrats. Both parties discuss me with how they handled this extension bill because created on 9/10th!!!!!.

Anna

wasn't there an extension passed in July 2008? I thought in July, Pres Bush signed a 13 week extension of benefits. Is this extension in addition to those 13 weeks?

Cinnie

Hi Anna,
Yes this is an additional extension with 159000 more Americans lost their jobs in Sept.It's just a ashame that the Senate left us wondering what were going to do with our bills and shelter while the wait until after the election to go back into session which is 11/17, if you're loke most of us here, we can't wait that long, I agree with "Feed Up", The Senate needs to call an emergency session or Bush needs to go ahead and sign this bill into law. We are in need just like Wall Street!

Amy

This comment is for Martin..You are a real jack*ss...

Marietta Fargo

Good, hardworking Americans out of work and who cannot find work need to receive as much assistance as necessary to survive. If our government can throw money away to despots in foreign countries and subsidize crooks/thieves in the US, why can't we get funds that are desperately needed to live on!

Langhorne

The Democrats are weak. They could have add the Unemployment extension on the bailout bill for Wall Street. As Chris said the rules committee in the House is majority Demoncrats.

Sean

Yep Langhorne, the Democratic Rules committee did not allow McDermott to attach the extension to the bill. What they were looking at is to get the Bailout bill passed and they couldn't do that with some of the Republicans voting Yes so they wouldn't be the total blame for the Bailout bill, AND the Republicans weren't going to do that because Bush and his negotiators were steadfast against the extension. I know there was politics going on big time BUT for the life of me I can't understand how any Senator with a conscience can put pet projects like tax breaks for Hollywood producers & wooden arrows, and rum from Puerto Rico!!!! ahead of something so important as the extension bill with 600.000 Americans out of work. NO SHAME! I emailed both my Senators to let them know how disgusting the Senate acting on this bill.

Janet

I just heard they are going to bailout AIG again with billions of dollars.....even after finding out about their "spa holiday!!!" after the first bailout!!! I just don't understand why we only count once every four years for our vote at the poles. One other item I would be interested in finding out.....how many unemployed have lost their homes which would be directly linked to this bailout of keeping the middle class population in their homes. If anyone knows, that would be interesting information for us.

patricia

They had a article in the DENVER POST today that Pelosi said Congress will be back in section before next year to reintroduce the Stimulus package because America is hurting with 750.000 thousand unemployed. I hope after 11/4th that there will be a majority of 60 Democratics in the Senate to override any BUSH veto. But Bush would be rode out of town on a rail if he says no to any unemployment extension with so many thousands of Americans jobless NOW.

Henry Dissinger

Unemployed workers shouldn't have to wait till November 17th for Congress to act on a bill to extend unemployment benefits. If they can bailout Wallstreet,certainly they should find time to bailout Mainstreet. If Senators Obama and McCain really wanted to demonstrate compassion for those who are struggling, they would suspend their campaigns for a day or two and press for an emergency session of Congress to get this extension bill done right away, and not wait till after the election.

Jack and Jill

I guess the problem is that HR7110 passed, but now the Senate is going to pick it up since their own version failed. All the while, the Bush administration saying they are going to veto it anyway. Sad state of affairs. I am 51, and have worked 30 years, laid off for the first time EVER, and collected unemployment benefits until they ran out. Now hoping for the new extension passes... have looked everywhere for a job.. but I think my age is the biggest factor as to why I am not being hired. I have a great work history, college degreed, yet no one wants to hire me. AND.. everyone wants to pay me at LEAST half of what I was making.. which I am willing to accept IF SOMEONE would hire me. Like I said sad but true... this country is in BIG trouble.

Dana Perino - No friend of the unemployed

White House press secretary Dana Perino suggested the Bush administration would oppose any effort to extend jobless benefits. She concluded by saying that “the best way to help” the economy and unemployed people is for unemployed people to simply “get back to work.”

It is both insulting and naive to suggest that people aren’t working because jobless benefits are somehow too generous and they’re too lazy to look for work again. People aren’t working because Bushonomics have hemorrhaged jobs and slashed the safety nets for laid off workers:

sheri

wow, this should have been done months ago with this economy being the way it is.

Anna

Let's just hope it won't take another 6 months like the first extension for it to be approved, because most of us can't wait till then. I needed it like yesterday!

Brian G.

Give me free money!!!!

Sorry, just trying to fit in.

Heather

My benefits ran out this week and I've been looking for work like crazy--it's even hard to find a seasonal holiday job because everyone
else in NYC is looking. I had to take
my son out of daycare because I can't afford to pay. Hopefully they
pass it for the 2nd ext. it was 3months between my benefits ending and the 1st ext.
I need this yesterday!

Anna

Brian G.,
You can't have a job either if your're on this website, if you do God bless you, but don't be rude to the people that are here, I've been employed for 18 years at the same company and was laid off for the first time, so don't tell me that it's free money, my taxes was paid just like yours, that's what's wrong with this country today,PEOPLE LIKE YOU!

Dean

Brian G.,
Hey dummy, this is not free money. This is one of the many reasons why we pay taxes. The government is refusing to give us back some of our own money, it's far from charity.

Brad

yea brian.get ur head outa your a$$.i've paid into this for 50 years and it's only the second time in my entire life i've collected u.c benefits.it's not welfare we're asking for moron!!!

Mike

The politicians(both Democrat & republicans) are playing games to satisfy their own goals. The real question is how to make them responsive to us. Senator Levin in Mich for instance has done nothing put pay lip service to this and cover himself. The alternative is to vote for his republican challenger who is worse. Not an answer! Reed said it was pointless to put this to a vote because Bush would veto it. Then let Bush face that choice in an election year. Bush's republican lapdogs in the senate may of blinked and overroad the veto but since the democratic senate never pushed it we will never know. The Democrats wanted this to fail so the republicans would look bad after passing the trillion $ bailout. The republicans never had to vote against this just the motion to invoke cloture. As far as deserving the money I'd rather work but surviving is the goal. If our government can screw up trade & give wall street a trillion $ they can give me a few thousand $ on unemployment!!!!

Anna

Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats will convene Monday an Economic Forum as per her website, I hope this means that their moving in the right direction, this is for everyone that is interested.

Patricia

They had on the news today that Speaker Pelosi will introduce a $150 Economic Stimulus package with extension of Unemployment benefits NOW!. I am not sure what she's means by NOW, anyone know?. Looks like Congress/Senate are stagnated until after the 11/4th election to see who is the majority in the Senate and I hope its the Democrats 60 of them and they wouldn't have to send anything to heartless George Bush for the rest of this year. What a heartless sleaze he is, he signs a $700 Billion bailout bill to help Wall Street and turns his nose up at homeowners losing their homes and 600.000 thousand jobless AMERICANS who only ask for a few more weeks to find a job. My state has a jobless rate of 7.7%. This country is in a economic Tsumani thanks to Bush and there will be special place in hell for him & heartless others like him that have millions of dollars to play with while most Americans don't know how they will feed their families next month. Shame on Bush!

sherri

Thanks Anna! I heard on the news she was working on a $150 Billion economic stimulus package that includes extension of unemployment benefits but I didn't when she would present this to Congress. I will check her website.

Patricia

Per www.speaker.gov Pelosi states Congress will meet in the Capitol on 10/13th. Check her website for more information, she does confirm that the extension of U B will be part of this economic stimulus plan.

MJL

I'm know who in particular is to blame for the economic crisis and more particularly the lack of good jobs, but it is a FACT that w/o other resources to live on, all politicians (except as many have expressed as heartless; I say brainless) should realize that indefinite (yes, I saw indefinite) unemployment benefits are in order. There is no doubt sufficient resources in the unemployment funds to support unemployment claims while people are legitimately unemployed. I know this sounds awfully liberal, but this is MUCH better than across the aisle, who would have people starve and lose their homes before receiving one red cent from unemployment. Hopefully, the economy will have a speedy rebound, but it seems doubtful and so the unemployment extenstions are necessary and must be enacted. Period.

MJL

My last post was rather illiterate. Bottom line is that there is a very broad economic crisis. Everyone can sense it. It is impacting everyone, even the rich, whose stock portfolios are shrinking. For regular folk who have lost their jobs and have found great difficulty finding jobs, a development truly out of their hands, these unemployment benefits are a true life line, a bridge between unemployment and re-employment. What are people supposed to do to get by: beg on the streets (illegal), rob a bank (illegal), mooch from friends (disheartening), go on welfare (truly a last resort that would "steal the soul" of any true worker). To withhold unemployment benefits would surely place those responsible in their personal place in Hell.

MJL

My understanding is that the bill was passed in the house. The senate shot it down or perhaps it goes before them soon after the election. I've read herein that the extension being passed is a shoe in. I really hope so. For it not to be accepted by the Republican controlled Senate would be a major disservice to the citizens of our country. With so many people unemployed, I can see a major movement on Capitol Hill to give the boobs a piece of our collective mind. Politicans suck big donkey dick!

Mike

This is all window dressing. The Dems in the senate never really pushed it. They let it fail to make the repbubs look bad. The only vote was for cloture. Which Repubs defeated. The repubs wanted a full debate and the ability to introduce amendments on the senate version of this a week before.The dems refused.The house then passed this which they knew would not go anywhere because the senate had already left. They passed this just to make themselves look good in the Nov election. Dems had leverage with the upcoming election and the bail out bill but they didn't use it. Instead they will come back for a few days I believe on Nov 17th and the leverage over the election is gone and it's a lame duck session so who knows what will happen. Forget what the Dems say and focus on what they accomplish. Dems sound better than the repubs but if nothing changes they are no better. To really cheer everyone up: remember there are still 59 million stupid voters out there who voted for bush.

karen

Well Bush made sure that AIG got their billions just in time to spend half a million on a spa retreat. However, he said he would veto an extension of unemployment benefits and said "those people" need to go get jobs instead. He is so drunk nowadays he can't grasp what "rising UNEMPLOYMENT" means. That means, monkey weasal, there ain't any friggin' jobs.

Martin

If you want some advice, and I'm being serious here, get a government job. It's a 4 trillion dollar a year industry and it gets bigger every year! Suck on that Exxon!

Mike

To Martin: Soon it won't make a difference whether it's Exxon or the government or even AIG. Under fascism they become the same thing controlled by the same person.I hope I'm wrong but with what happened in the last 8 years you got to wonder. Corporations are consolidating at every level. There is little or no competition. The politicians act completely contrary to the voters and instead they fulfill the corporate lobbyist every wish. Something is real wrong with this country. Forget the liberal VS conservative arguments for a second. We need common sense rational decisions that solve problems and make the average persons life better. How can anyone here compete with fifty cents a hour wages in China? Free trade? Maybe but not at the cost of a jobs! I don't have any answers just sick of having no job and listening to the sorry BS from our politicians.Guess the only thing to do is send emails to our politicians maybe he might do something if he views us as a problem.

Stacey