Do you think Congress will pass H.R.589 in 2011?

Do you think the bill will be passed this year? While I hope it will, I have my doubts. Congress takes too long in deciding things and Republicans simply don't want to pass unemployment extensions under any reason. It's turned into a stalemate with neither side gaining ground.

At some point, they will have no choice. Sooner or later, the impact of the growing number of 99ers is going to start dragging down every aspect of the American economy.

Sorry I just don t see the positive value in a poll like this. We all know the reality of the long shot it is to pass. To read opinions on why it will not pass will only add to the stress of those barely hanging on. To many it will not really matter if it passes by the end of the year. We need it passed yesterday.

nuttin2lose wrote:Sorry I just don t see the positive value in a poll like this. We all know the reality of the long shot it is to pass. To read opinions on why it will not pass will only add to the stress of those barely hanging on. To many it will not really matter if it passes by the end of the year. We need it passed yesterday.

I agree, nuttin, that we need it passed yesterday. Discussions of why or why not we think it will pass may trigger some ideas on what WE have to do, as a UNITED voice, to ensure its passage.

We will not be left behind again. Any new ideas on advocacy campaigns are needed. What can we do as a group to get this done? It isn't going to happen if we all sit back and keep those negative thoughts in our heads. Put that behind you and take action!

I'm not saying that it won't be passed. Eventually, it probably will. What I'm saying is that Congress generally doesn't act unless it's forced to act, like what happened back in October 2007 when the Republicans were forced to pass emergency extended unemployment benefits for every American and started it off with Tier 1.

That happened because of the Wall Street crash that was the direct result of the mortgage crisis. Everybody was affected and they needed some way to boost the economy so that it wouldn't crash completely. It was a matter of survival ...

I'm trying to remain hopeful that HR589 will pass. The unemployment situation has not improved enough to make a difference in the lives of many, the instability of the middle east is causing price of gas and other goods like food and clothing to go up. The republicans may not want to pass HR589, but I'm thinking they may not have a choice, and will be forced into it.

I voted no. I just don't believe the Republicans will approve it. There is so much talk about the budget it will be a very tough sell. I will still continue to lobby for it as I am not going to give up or stop the fight.

kemcha wrote:I'm not saying that it won't be passed. Eventually, it probably will. What I'm saying is that Congress generally doesn't act unless it's forced to act, like what happened back in October 2007 when the Republicans were forced to pass emergency extended unemployment benefits for every American and started it off with Tier 1.

That happened because of the Wall Street crash that was the direct result of the mortgage crisis. Everybody was affected and they needed some way to boost the economy so that it wouldn't crash completely. It was a matter of survival ...

Your last paragraph nailed it. It never was and never will be about helping the unemployed. They needed to save themselves, and took us along for the ride.

... and what everybody here needs to understand is that this is what I've been trying to say. Unemployment extensions just won't pass, or will be facing an uphill battle, unless there is a dire economic crash.

Republicans don't like to look into the mirror until they're forced to.

kemcha wrote:I'm not saying that it won't be passed. Eventually, it probably will. What I'm saying is that Congress generally doesn't act unless it's forced to act, like what happened back in October 2007 when the Republicans were forced to pass emergency extended unemployment benefits for every American and started it off with Tier 1.

That happened because of the Wall Street crash that was the direct result of the mortgage crisis. Everybody was affected and they needed some way to boost the economy so that it wouldn't crash completely. It was a matter of survival ...

Don't forget Enron and Madoff. Enron caused the blackouts in Ca to jack prices up to pay for all the money that did not exist. Bush knew all about it too. The economy was a house built on sand. Now we have rebuilt the house on foreign soil. Even the American Girl Doll is made in China. Only the book that comes with it is printed in the USA.

I think we need to face it, nothing will change if we just standby and let them run over us.

YES!
But it won't get done unless we remain positive and keep on working for it!

I'm starting to feel like my odds of wining the Mega Millions Lottery are more hopefull than us geettting another Tier added?

Too bad I cannot even afford the $1 for the ticket.

superstevies wrote:I'm starting to feel like my odds of wining the Mega Millions Lottery are more hopefull than us geettting another Tier added?

Too bad I cannot even afford the $1 for the ticket.

I bought one ticket this week, if I win I will share

kemcha wrote:Do you think the bill will be passed this year? While I hope it will, I have my doubts. Congress takes too long in deciding things and Republicans simply don't want to pass unemployment extensions under any reason. It's turned into a stalemate with neither side gaining ground.

Unfortunately the Republicans won't even consider any more aid of any kind for the unemployed in my honest opinion. The Democrats have shown interest in aiding the 99ers in the past but I haven't heard anything from them since December which tells me that they know H.R. 589 is dead in the water. The growing numbers of 99ers doesn't matter to them any longer. Also once EUC and EB runs out at the end of the year I feel it will be highly unlikely that they are extended anymore.

chopthis91 wrote:

kemcha wrote:Do you think the bill will be passed this year? While I hope it will, I have my doubts. Congress takes too long in deciding things and Republicans simply don't want to pass unemployment extensions under any reason. It's turned into a stalemate with neither side gaining ground.

Unfortunately the Republicans won't even consider any more aid of any kind for the unemployed in my honest opinion. The Democrats have shown interest in aiding the 99ers in the past but I haven't heard anything from them since December which tells me that they know H.R. 589 is dead in the water. The growing numbers of 99ers doesn't matter to them any longer. Also once EUC and EB runs out at the end of the year I feel it will be highly unlikely that they are extended anymore.

The end of the year is only 9 months away now. There are still more jobs being lost than created. The estimated number of unemployed in this country today is over 35 million. What are they going to do with us?

I think that its going to take time and lots of fighting, but it will pass.

Exactly, Desperate. President Obama should be very worried. For one thing, the Obama Administration is deliberately not reporting the actual figures of unemployment and that is helping the Republicans in this partisan battle in Congress.

If it were a normal Republican house majority without the Tea-Party being in the mix I would be more hopefull because to the dismay of Dems the Republicans have a far better track record in voting for extending benifts through out history v's dems and like I said with Tea-Party people in there I get the impression they are on a suicide mission 1 term and done ie: cut as much as possible so with that said I don't think it will.Had a better chance if the Dems would of past it when they had the full majority.

Storm clouds are building in the country. More and more citizens are realizing every day that our government doesn't govern by their instincts and conscience but rather by how much money they will get from special interests for the next election and beyond. Politicians don't dare step on their contributors toes but rather move according to corporate needs instead of the needs of the people who elected them and this is why nothing gets done.

Truth be known companies would rather not hire at all or if they do it is only for temp or part time positions to avoid paying benefits. Their only goal is to please the shareholders (higher earnings) and to stuff the pockets of their execs. In the meantime salaries are frozen or raises are insignificant all in the name of "helping the company stay afloat". Yeah...right!!!

Those storm clouds are gathering. People are like any other animal. When their backs are to the wall or they are cornered they will fight back. This is about to happen in this country sooner than later.

After today Senate passing No, this bill is as dead as my income

I think I said it before, Congress has awaken a sleeping giant and it's going to be very soon when we'll see Americans rising up against the politicians that continue to ignore the plight of the American People.

They might just let us die

cps70 wrote:If it were a normal Republican house majority without the Tea-Party being in the mix I would be more hopefull because to the dismay of Dems the Republicans have a far better track record in voting for extending benifts through out history v's dems and like I said with Tea-Party people in there I get the impression they are on a suicide mission 1 term and done ie: cut as much as possible so with that said I don't think it will.Had a better chance if the Dems would of past it when they had the full majority.

Good points cps70!!!! I think its all about compromise. Unfortunately, the Tea Party does not want to do this. Granted, the Dems didn't compromise on health care last year and now the Reps are trying to undo it (so much time wasted on both sides). My point is witchever party has control, it still comes down to "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours".

Mcfly wrote:

cps70 wrote:If it were a normal Republican house majority without the Tea-Party being in the mix I would be more hopefull because to the dismay of Dems the Republicans have a far better track record in voting for extending benifts through out history v's dems and like I said with Tea-Party people in there I get the impression they are on a suicide mission 1 term and done ie: cut as much as possible so with that said I don't think it will.Had a better chance if the Dems would of past it when they had the full majority.

Good points cps70!!!! I think its all about compromise. Unfortunately, the Tea Party does not want to do this. Granted, the Dems didn't compromise on health care last year and now the Reps are trying to undo it (so much time wasted on both sides). My point is witchever party has control, it still comes down to "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours".

Exactly!!! Now not to offend anyone but the Tea-Party good,bad or indifferent will destroy this country not intenetionally but because they are one tracked and truly believe they are doing something good for America when seasoned politicians from both sides are pulling there hair out knowing that there is always posturing but eventually compromise and with the Tea-Party they GOP are stuck its like the Repubs have a majority in the house but in reality they do not.

No. THe conservatives want to bust unions and have the majority of workers making minimum wage. People are desperate will take a job for any amount of wages or hours a week.I have come to believe(hate may fit better) they believe: We got our's F you.