Senate Democrats Pin Their Hopes For Unemployment Benefits On Two Republicans
WASHINGTON -- Stalled in their attempts to pass an extension of federal unemployment benefits, Senate Democrats are now placing their hopes in the hands of two Republicans.
Senate Democratic leadership is eyeing Sens. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and Dan Coats (R-Ind.) as the most likely yes votes for any plan to restore those benefits -- which lapsed on Dec. 28, 2013 -- and extend them into the future. A leadership aide told The Huffington Post that the office of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has been in touch with both Kirk and Coats staffers in hopes of finding a mutually agreeable way to pay for the benefits. Democrats are glad that neither senator has stepped away from those discussions.
"They could have walked away a long time ago," said the leadership aide.
Even if the Senate passes an extension, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives is unlikely to play along. House Republicans will either consider their own version of the legislation or, more likely, not consider anything at all.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/24/senate-democrats-unemployment-benefits_n_4848159.html