Senate and 2010 Unemployment Extension Bill: A Dereliction of Duty by Putting Off Vote, Passing Bill?
Are the Senators Engaging in a Dereliction of Duty by Failing to Vote on and Pass an Unemployment Extension Bill?
Democrat Senator Harry Reid votes against unemployment extension bill
Both parties claim to have a concern for the unemployed that is growing daily, yet both parties seem to be under the impression that time is not their enemy. This is especially true of Democrat Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, who actually chose to vote 'Nay' for the unemployment extension bill. Reid, boasting a lengthy service record in Congress, undoubtedly realized his 'Nay' vote would only cause more delays for hurting constituents.
For the unemployed, time has become a very real enemy, as their only financial lifeline just got cut, and it now looks like it will be two more weeks before any hope of a rescue rope will even be thrown to them. Thus, adopting Reid's 'patient' outlook cannot be seen as a helpful approach by the hurting masses as they wait for an unemployment extension bill to be passed.
Reid's assurances that he voted 'Nay' in order to force a re-vote at a later date cannot bring much comfort to unemployed people who may not have a 'later date' in which to pay their bills or delay feeding their families.
Republican Representative Dean Heller crosses aisle, votes for bill
On the flip side, House representative Dean Heller of Nevada parted ways with fellow republicans by reaching across the aisle and voting 'Yea' for the unemployment benefits extension bill. Heller's reasoning should be mirrored in the Congress by both parties, "While I believe that this legislation should have been paid for, I cannot vote against the unemployment extension when so many Nevadans are struggling to get by."
Heller's support of the bill, in spite of the questionable funding source for it, speaks to his committment to the constituents in his state. Heller exemplifies a 'for the people' service attitude in Congress; a stark contrast to fellow Nevadan Reid and his purposeful delay of the vote.
Dereliction of duty
The Senate closed up shop for its customary vacation time this week, in spite of the fact that over a million of their combined constituents may not even have a meal for the Independence holiday this weekend. Some consider this dereliction of duty akin to a medical doctor refusing to perform an emergency operation just because his shift was over.
Democrat Senator Harry Reid's 'Nay' vote, however, forced the Senate into a standstill. Reid's 'Nay' vote has all but prohibited the unemployed from getting any successful bill resolution until mid-July.
What's really causing the bill to not pass?
Republicans and democrats alike have expressed a desire to pass the bill immediately, but they differ with Reid and the Democrats on how it is to be funded. Democrats want to pay for the bill by borrowing additional funding from foreign entities. Republicans question why the desire to borrow funds at all when the money is just sitting there ready to be used.
"There are ways to pay for this extension, and help the unemployed without contributing to the deficit," Republican House member Dean Heller said. And Heller is right. Monies borrowed for the stimulus projects still remain and, in fact, is left over from nonuse last year--for job creation projects, no less. But for some reason the democratic party has dug in their heels, insisting they must borrow more money, increasing the deficit.
America's unemployed want action from Congress
America's unemployed, not as caring of the fine line that is really deciding their fate, continues to express outrage that there is even a debate in the first place. All they can think about is the fact they will not have any income until this bill is passed.
Congress is supposed to be a 'for the people' government. The best interest of the people is supposed to take precedent over political posturing. It is Congress' job to keep down costs and use the monies already in their pocket before committing taxpayers to more debt. If they followed that basic rule this law would have already passed.
Insisting on growing the deficit by funding this bill with more borrowed money is the reason it has not passed. Sen. Harry Reid appears to be the main proponent of that approach and House rep. Dean Heller seems to be the one having to take the high road and vote for a bill on those negligent terms in order to help the American unemployed get their benefits extended at all. Both Reid and Heller hail from the state of Nevada.
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Source
Nevada Appeal.com
Las Vegas Review-Journal.com
U.S. Chronicle.com
Published by Radell Smith
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52 Comments
Post a CommentLooks like the lone holdout Reid will be looking for a job in NOvember.
I think we should make both parties from the bottom to Obama look for a job them selves. This would would give them a better understanding of what the unemployed are up against. I know this is a rediculess comment as they cant even help us let alone live in our shoes. But I would like to see their resumes, Probably full of nothing except politics. Mabey they could be public defenders. Ha Ha
the president can not intervene with this. the president can do nothing but to pass this. accordingly ot laws the president cannot push a executive order as some people think he can. so we are at the mercy of uncaring people
VOTE? are you guys serious....you still believe that stuff!!?!!
The only way that voting will ever work again is if we start over....not completely....just get rid of all politicians and don't allow them to ever go for office again...a public shaming for all of them...they deserve worse...but shaming and removal from office will suffice!!
Why don't we just start a mini revolution....kick all the politicians out and start from scratch? Get people in who AREN'T career politicians and limit the number of times in office to once...and make it easier to get rid of a politician who doesn't do right for the people!!
How am I supposed to face my kids and tell them they won't have food next week?....couldn't find a way to explain to the kids why the 4th of July had absolutely no meaning this year!
I Love my country enough to get rid of these politicians who are obviously out for themselves and their own interests....anybody care to join!!
Lets revolt!
A right they can't take away from us!
The legislators don't seem to care about the little guys. They voted themselves large raises, voted against social security increases, voted to raise medicare costs and, of course, are stalling on the unemployment extension. They need a reality check. Remember at election time all those who caused this stress on the unemployed. Vote them out of office!!!!! REMEMBER, REMEMBER, REMEMBER. GET THE NAMES OF ALL THOSE WHO VOTED AGAINST THE UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSION AND VOTE THEM OUT! THEY'VE LEFT US UNINSURED, STARVING, HOMELESS AND UNABLE TO PAY OUR BILLS. They aren't suffering, are they!
There ya go Harry,,,good job,,,,delay the people who may have no other choice but be homeless besides pennyless,,,,Time to retire,,,pal,,,,It's all the GOOD OLD BOYS like you, that could care less about the LITTLE PEOPLE,,,we only matter when we are a liability,,
At 51 yrs old, I don't think I should have to ask my children who are grown to take me in cuz I have no means of support,,,I didn't expect like many others to have to unemployed so long,,,once I can't pay for my phoneI have no way for EMPLOYERS to reach me, so I guess, finding a park bench to stretch out on should be good enough for me,,and begging for food to live will be my goal,,,PATHETIC is what CONGRESS IS,,,,and you call this a DEMOCRACY??????? Does any other country do this to the people????? Highest Unemployment since the Depression,,,and more than enough FUNDING to support the extention,,,I wish I could find a way to get to Washington,,, I'd knock on doors trust me,,,Maybe all the unemployed should protest outside t
economy.
We need jobs. Not compensation.
We need to afford medical insurance again. Not public healthcare.
We need to work, have the luxury of going to a doctor or dentist, buy our medications and not go without. We need to keep our utilities on and gas in the cars. We need to rebuild our credit. The very credit that two years ago was allowing us to buy most anything we want, and now in many cases is the reason for not being hired. These are simply necessities not luxuries. Once maybe taken for granted. Never again. We have seen both sides now.
My God bless America and all of her people. May God bless the leaders and give them the ability to once again lead.
Use your voice in November. VOTE. Remember how you have or have not been represented in this true time of history making need.
Why our congress and senate felt the need and sense of entitlement of taking 11 days off in the middle of so much uncertainty in the country they are serving needs to be answered. Hope they al
uh oh, just realized my comment was cut off...so many people attending job fairs with the hopes of an opportunity to get inside and be able to hand out resumes or get a word with a potential employer. Just to get inside to find there are mostly government agencies and they are not hiring but accepting resumes. Hmmm.
How is it that the house, senate and our fearless leader feels it right to go on vacation for a week and a half while our country is in the worst state ever since the great depression? They should all be not only ashamed if that is possible, but, removed in November.
Use your voice. VOTE.
The state of our country is terrifying and the neglect of the people is a disgrace.
I agree with guest 7/5 that congress should go without saleries AND their benefits for a period of time. What do they say, until you have walked in the shoes...
I guess it all comes down to politics and there is nothing to gain from the millions of unemployed. Except taxes and stimulating the econo
Obama freely gave $400 million to Gaza-WHY?? They are not our peple. We are the ones needing financial aide. Thanks to Congress, we may soon be out in the streets. No check for 3 weeks and unemployed since 2008. No money for food, rent, or medicine, much less doctor visits. Congress should hang their head in shame for treating Ameicans this way.