17 Democrats Vote Against Unemployment Benefits
Some people say that the economic recession has ended, but experts warn that the economy is almost certainly not improving. Profits for big corporations are up, but ordinary Americans are still suffering from extremely high levels of unemployment.
U.S. Representative Jim McDermott offered legislation this week to help. He introduced H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act, a sensible bill that extends unemployment benefits for 13 additional weeks, but only in those states where unemployment remains above 8.5 percent. It’s the right kind of economic stimulus, intelligently targeted to people who need it most, and who will spend the money instead of stashing it away.
Yesterday, the bill passed the House. 
“By passing this legislation we have told the American people that we stand with them and will not abandon them at a time when decent hard-working Americans are struggling to regain their economic footing,” McDermott said after the roll call vote.
Sadly, a few Democrats couldn’t be bothered to offer a hand of assistance to people who are still suffering under the bad economy. Even though 66 Republicans crossed the aisle to vote in favor of extending unemployment benefits in hard hit areas, these Democrats refused to help. By voting against this legislation, the following 17 Democratic members of the House of Representatives have told the American people that Congress will abandon them at a time when hard-working Americans are still struggling.
Marion Berry
Dan Boren
Leonard Boswell
Bruce Braley
Gerry Connolly
Joe Courtney
Paul Hodes
Betsy Markey
Jim Matheson
Charles Melancon
James Moran
Christopher Murphy
Glenn Nye
Ed Perlmutter
Tom Periello
Mike Ross
Harry Teague
Let’s remember these people voted against UI when its time for re-election bids.
Braley (IA-01) and Boswell (IA-03) voted against the bill because it was restricted to states with unemployment above 8.5 percent. Iowa’s unemployment rate statewide is lower than that, but several counties in Iowa’s first and third districts have unemployment rates above 9 percent and climbing.
They voted no on this bill because it abandoned unemployed people in Iowa.
i’ve worked for 40 years and can’t find a job. i need help. no matter what else is on my agenda, these 17 will never get me vote and i’m a democrat.
Desmoinesdem, is it right to deny unemployment for people in states that are having even more trouble than Iowa, just because a couple of districts in Iowa don’t get their piece of the money?
Did Braley and Boswell write alternative bills? Did they do anything?
Chris Murphy, GET A CLUE, WHAT THE PEOPLE NEED, YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT IS LIKE TO MAKE A DECISION BETWEEN EATING, OR GETTING MEDICATION YOU DESPERATELY NEED. MANY OF US HAVE FORM GROUPS WATCHING WHAT OUR TRUSTED EMPLOYEES ARE VOTING ON. WE ALL HAVE A MEMORY, AND TRUST ME WE WILL REMEMBER NOT TO VOTE FOR YOU.
You insebsitive Bast@#$S!
I hope these 17 are on the unemployment line its tough out there
How can you vote against this bill when so many of us middle americans will probably, like us will lose our home and health insurance because there are few jobs in our area. My husband has been actively looking since Feb and there are alway at least 25 other applicants for an interview when he gets one. How in the world do you think this will help the economy, you have lost touch completely with the american people you are suppose to represent. Shame on you!!!!!
Sue Bowman-Wulf
These senators are wealthy and are clueless as to how the unemployed are struggling. I worked over 42 years, have my master’s degree (earned over many years while working), and cannot find a job. I always had the highest of ethics,w hich is why this is all so painful. I do not want to lose my home, as only have 7 years of mortgages left, This is a terrifying time. The middle class is suffering most because of the insensitivity and ignorance of these senators. They never had to want for anything, and have zero empathy and zero compassion. These are not welfare recipients, nor SSI people. These are people who have worked a lifetime. One day you will have to answer for your callousness.
Please reconsider how the scope of this bill will effect so many of your constituents in these economic times. Bring back the outsourced work so that many of those in our own country can earn a living and not be on unemployment. How will the medical legislation help those who can not afford even minimum insurance payments without jobs? Take care of the needs of the residents of your state.
I am a ‘yellow dog Democrat”,and its time for “blue dog democrat” Betsy Markey to get up on her hind legs and VOTE like a DEMOCRAT!. The excuse of “pay as you go”, smells of republican excuse.
Was it “pay as you go” to squander millions+ to build complex of buildings in Afghanistan? see Denver Post,Pg.17A-7/23/10. 66 Republicans crossed the aisle to vote for unemployment extension,but not
the holier than thou “blue dogs”!!
And the way we make them know they borked this one up is to let them know that if they don’t vote for an extension of benefits (something meaningful and realistic) that we will be coming to their homes once we are homeless, as obviously, they will be willing to take us in and help to support us.
Demand a special session to actually deal with this BEFORE election day.
We need to make our anger more meaningful. Apparently, what we’ve been doing so far isn’t working.
If you are unemployed in a 6.5% state—–You are just as hard hit as someone unemployed in an 8.5% state—–I keep hearing about the proposed extensions are only for those who have been hit the hardest—IFYOU LOST YOUR JOB AND CANT GET ANOTHER ONE–YOUR HIT WITH THE SAME MEASURE OF HARD -NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE!
I expected republicans to vote no on extending unemployment benefits BUT 17 democrats voting againsty extending benefits makes me sick. How can they deny the people the pittance they get to feed their families and possibly to have a small Christmas. The people that stayed home and the ones that voted for these uncaring people on election day will now see much more of this heartless behavior.
Keep in mind, Dixie, that this count of 17 against unemployment benefits comes from an earlier vote. In yesterday’s vote against unemployment, 11 Democrats voted against giving help to people out of work. They were: http://irregulartimes.com/index.php/archives/2010/11/19/11-democrats-join-republicans-to-kick-unemployed/
Take the money from TARP, the Dems want it to steal for relect there sleezy asses. We will not forget when we vote again. So you uncaring asses start packing you bags your next!!
Oh that goes for you tight ass rich Rep. too.
Thank you for extending the unemployment. That is very helpful since I can’t find work. To the ones who voted against. You would think differently if you were unemployed and could not find work.