Senate inaction jeopardizes unemployment benefits

Page Last Updated: Friday February 26, 2010 3:37pm PST

Kentucky Republican Jim Bunning.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate has failed to extend benefits for laid-off workers and other programs that are due to expire Sunday.

The House approved the measure yesterday, but the Senate hasn't been able to overcome the objections of a single lawmaker. Kentucky Republican Jim Bunning wants to know how the $10 billion measure will be paid for. He's vowing to fight the extensions as long as they add to the deficit

With most senators already home for the weekend, Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin tried to pass the measure earlier Friday on a voice vote. In such a vote, it just takes one senator to block passage.

The bill would extend unemployment payments to laid-off workers and provide subsidies to help pay health premiums through the COBRA program. It would also extend funding for highway projects and spare doctors from a 21 percent cut in Medicare payments. Senate leaders say they'll keep trying to change Bunning's mind.

Otherwise, a vote will have to wait until senators return next week.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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