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>   (email exchange)
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>   On Thu, May 27, 2010 at 6:48 PM, Marshall wrote:
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UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSION HUNG UP – Even after Democratic leadership scaled back its bill to reauthorize several domestic aid programs, reducing its impact on the federal budget deficit by $50 billion, conservative rank-and-file Democrats remain in their perpetual state of unhappiness. House leadership met shortly before press time to find a way forward, but all paths have major obstacles. Primarily, this one: Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus tells HuffPost that he’s working out an agreement on what amendments could be offered by Republicans. But it comes at a high cost. The House had been planning to pass its bill and head out of town for the Memorial Day break. If any changes are made to the bill, it could languish over the break as programs and benefits expire. “We’re ready. Soon as the House sends it over. We will pass it,” Baucus said. “Gotta work out an agreement with the Republicans on votes. We’re going to have to work out some accommodation on amendments.”

Asked if the House would vote tonight, a brusque Steny Hoyer, leaving the leadership meeting for a floor vote, said: “We are STILL talking!” Chris Van Hollen said they were discussing possible changes with their members and could finish up before the break — but he didn’t say they’d vote tonight. Sandy Levin’s been working on Blue Dogs. Pelosi worked on Jared Polis, who’s been unhappy with the hedge fund loophole fix. The House is antsy to leave town. “Let’s go!” two separate members of Congress shouted on the floor, at least one of them a Democrat. “People are really tired,” one Dem told HuffPost. “What you’re seeing is the success of stubbornness.”

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>   CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!!!
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And, of course, ironically cutting the benefits only adds to unemployment as it removes demand.

Instead, they should be suspending fica taxes to restore sales and paid work.