Today's Agenda

If any of you are following the news on Unemployment Extensions, you probably already know that the House failed to pass H.R. 5618 yesterday, which included an extension of benefits through November 30, 2010, under a suspension of the rules - explained here Definition

Under a suspension, a Super-Majority, or 2/3 vote is required to pass the bill.  That did not happen, and most Americans are genuinely upset.  Don't lose hope yet, as there is news of another vote taking place in the House today;  And also of Harry Reid and Max Baucus trying to gain the much needed support of 3 Republicans required to pass a bill through the Senate as early as Thursday morning.

For those of you who have a Republican Representative or Senator, or even those of you who live in Nebraska (thanks to Ben Nelson), now is the time to call them!  The Republicans most likely to listen are:

Susan Collins - Maine


Olympia Snowe - Maine


Scott Brown - Massachusetts

In other current news, President Obama will be visiting Racine, Wisconsin (UE 14%) today to speak about JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!  He will be at the Racine Memorial Town Hall.  So, for those of you who are unemployed and live in Wisconsin, now's the time to share your anger and frustration over the current situation.  Don't hold back!  Go there and stand outside if you don't have a ticket!  Then come back and share your story.

What's on the Senate schedule for Today?

According to the U.S. Senate website, www.senate.gov, the Senate will convene and begin a period of morning business at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon.  After that, they will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 5297, the Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010.   Passing of this bill could mean more jobs for those Unemployed Americans, due to the $30 billion fund to boost small business lending.


I don't know about you, but my morning usually begins at around 6:30 a.m.  Also, exactly how much of that $30 billion fund do you think will actually make it into the hands of small business owners looking to expand their operations and hire more workers?  I have an inkling, and it's not very much at all. 


As of yet, there are no plans to introduce a standalone measure for extending Unemployment benefits, so while Congress is having fun during the 4th of July holiday, the rest of you will just have to sit tight and try to think of reasons why you still love the U.S.A.!