Jobless benefits extended

WASHINGTON -- Seeking to respond to the continuing climb in the nation's unemployment, Congress last week voted to prolong federal payments to individuals who are still out of work.

The House voted 403-12 to extend jobless benefits for at least 14 weeks. People in states where the unemployment rate is higher than 8.5 percent could receive up to 20 weeks additional funding. The bill was targeted to help almost 1 million people whose benefits would have ended soon without the extension.

The additional weeks of benefits means that people in the hardest hit states could receive up to 99 weeks of payments -- almost two years -- if they are unable to find work.

The Senate passed the bill by voice vote, and President Barack Obama signed it into law at week's end. Enactment came on the same day the Labor Department announced the U.S. unemployment rate reached 10.2 percent in October, with more than 15.7 million people out of work.

Besides aid to the unemployed, the legislation also renewed an $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers while expanding tax benefits for other home buyers.

Supporters said the tax credits have helped stabilize the housing economy by boosting sales. Critics said the government subsidies would serve to inflate home prices, and they would not stimulate the economy to justify their cost, about $10.8 billion.

Reps. Shelley Berkley and Dina Titus, both D-Nev., and Dean Heller, R-Nev., voted for the bill.

CHEMICAL PLANT BILL PASSED

The House passed a bill aimed at hardening chemical and water treatment plants against terrorists.

The bill, which passed 230-193, extends the government's authority to direct chemical firms to boost their security plans and set standards for employee training and background checks. It also was expanded to cover drinking water and sewage plants.

Supporters, mostly Democrats, said the bill was a step forward in preventing a terrorist attack on vital infrastructure. Critics, mostly Republicans, said the changes were no more than a bow to environmental activists and would cost jobs.

Berkley and Titus voted for the bill. Heller voted against it.

Before passage, the House rejected a Republican amendment that would have extended the current chemical plant security standards for three years. It was defeated, 186-241.

Heller voted for the extension. Titus and Berkley voted against it.

Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault@stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760.