Jobless Aid Headed for Passage in Senate

The Senate moved one step closer Tuesday to passing a jobs package chock full of tax cuts and extensions of social safety net programs despite widespread conservative opposition. 

Clearing a procedural hurdle in a 66-34 vote, the Senate is expected to vote on final passage of the bill Wednesday.  Tuesday’s vote, in which eight Republicans sided with 58 Democrats, likely clears the way for a fairly easy final vote.  One Democrat, Ben Nelson (D-NE), did defect to vote with the Republican minority. 

The $150 billion bill is a combination of popular tax cuts and incentives and aid for unemployed Americans struggling to make ends meet.   

The most costly portion of the bill is an extension of unemployment benefits, which will cost some $66 billion to extend from 26 weeks to 99 weeks.   

Another provision in the bill would provide a 65 percent subsides of health insurance premiums for the unemployed under the government’s COBRA health insurance coverage.  That is expected to cost $10 billion. 

On of the most popular provisions in the bill - with both Republicans and Democrats - is the $25 billion in tax breaks directed at small businesses and individuals.  The bill would extend a tax credit for teachers that purchase their own supplies and tax credits for research and development.

In addition, the bill would save doctors that treat Medicare patients from receiving a scheduled 21 percent cut in payments. 

"This legislation would prevent millions of Americans from falling through the safety net," Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) said in a statement. "It would put cash into the hands of Americans who would spend it quickly, boosting the economy." 

But, not every member of the upper chamber felt that the bill was a good deal for Americans.  A number of fiscal conservatives complained during floor debates that the bill was too costly and would add to the already burdensome national debt.

"I support extending the critical tax-relief in this bill.…But this tax relief was cynically taken hostage by the majority to pass more unsustainable spending," said Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT).

Tuesday’s vote to end debate should clear the way for the bill’s final passage, which will require just a simple majority.  However, issues between the House and the Senate could arise in conference committee.  House Democratic leadership has expressed displeasure with the Senate’s smaller and more piecemeal approach toward job creation.