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House Backs Extended Jobless Benefits
39 Republicans Join Democrats in Supporting Program
By Juliet Eilperin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 5, 2004; Page A11
The House voted yesterday to create a program extending unemployment benefits for nearly 2 million Americans.
Democrats have spent weeks trying to provide federal aid to workers whose unemployment benefits expired in late December. Blocked by Republicans on several occasions, they opted to attach the language to a popular bill providing community service grants.
While the floor debate divided strictly along party lines, 39 Republicans broke ranks to approve the measure 227 to 179.
While the vote was largely symbolic -- the Senate would have to adopt the measure, and then lawmakers would have to take a separate vote appropriating the funds -- it underscored lawmakers' concern over rising unemployment.
"This shows there's more anxiety about the economy and unemployment than the administration would like to admit," said Bill Samuel, legislative director of the AFL-CIO. "What happened today is the dam broke. The Republican leadership was caught napping."
Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), who wrote the language providing $6.7 billion in unemployment benefits, said the amendment offered the best shot at helping workers who are losing jobs at a rate of 90,000 a week.
"Last week the shocking neglect of the administration became all too apparent," Miller said. "They can't find work and this administration won't help them. . . . This is the only vehicle we have because you will bring us nothing to address the unemployment."
Republicans countered, saying the Democrats had no business tacking on an unrelated amendment to an authorization bill headed to the Senate.
"I've never seen a more cynical attempt to exploit America's unemployed workers for political gain," said Rep. John A. Boehner (R-Ohio).
The parties traded barbs for nearly an hour, questioning how best to aid the jobless. Republicans suggested states, rather than the federal government, foot the bill.
"We have provided states with flexible funds to help the unemployed," said Rep. Wally Herger (R-Calif.).
But Rep. Peter A. DeFazio (D-Ore.) said there was no reason why lawmakers could not draw on money that workers had paid in over the years. "We don't need to borrow money to provide unemployment benefits," DeFazio said. "There's $17 billion in the unemployment trust funds."
Republicans, who had thought the amendment would be defeated, spent several minutes trying to sway wavering members. But when it became clear it would pass, the leaders let their members vote aye.
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