By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/unemployment-bill-fails-senate Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Unemployment bill fails again in Senate Politics Feb 6, 2014 3:59 PM EDT WASHINGTON — Republicans have blocked legislation from advancing in the Senate to restore benefits for the long-term unemployed. It’s the second time this year that Democrats have sought to move the bill along, and they say they will try again. An estimated 1.7 million jobless have been affected by the expiration of a program that once provided up to 47 weeks of federal benefits after state-paid assistance ended, generally after six months. Four Republicans voted to advance the legislation, which all 53 Democrats and two independents support. Ordinarily, that would have left the bill with 59 votes, one short of the 60 needed. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada then switched his vote, which made the final tally 58-40, and will allow him to have the issue reconsidered in the future. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Republicans have blocked legislation from advancing in the Senate to restore benefits for the long-term unemployed. It’s the second time this year that Democrats have sought to move the bill along, and they say they will try again. An estimated 1.7 million jobless have been affected by the expiration of a program that once provided up to 47 weeks of federal benefits after state-paid assistance ended, generally after six months. Four Republicans voted to advance the legislation, which all 53 Democrats and two independents support. Ordinarily, that would have left the bill with 59 votes, one short of the 60 needed. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada then switched his vote, which made the final tally 58-40, and will allow him to have the issue reconsidered in the future. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now