Obama to call on GOP to stop blocking benefits for out-of-work Americas
By Julie Pace, APMonday, July 19, 2010
Obama to GOP: Restore jobless benefits
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is calling on Republicans to stop blocking a bill that would extend unemployment benefits to millions of out of work Americans.
Obama says Republican leaders are advancing a misguided notion that emergency relief discourages people from looking for work. He says that attitude reflects a lack of faith in the American public.
After weeks of partisan wrangling, the Senate is set to take up the measure again Tuesday, immediately following the swearing in of a replacement for the late Sen. Robert Byrd. Filling that seat will give Democrats the 60 votes they need to block a Republican filibuster.
GOP lawmakers say they will support an extension of the benefits only if the bill is paid for and doesn’t add to the national debt.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
President Barack Obama will call on Republican lawmakers to stop blocking an extension of unemployment benefits as the Senate prepares to take up the issue again this week.
A White House official says Obama will have “strong words” for Republicans when he delivers remarks Monday in the Rose Garden. Obama will argue that the GOP shouldn’t be calling for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans while denying benefits to the unemployed.
Benefits for 2.5 million people ran out at the end of May. Republicans say they will only support an extension if the bill is paid for and doesn’t add to the national debt.
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the president’s remarks.
Tags: Barack Obama, Debt And Bond Markets, Labor Economy, North America, Personnel, Political Organizations, Political Parties, Unemployment Insurance, United States, Washington
