Jobless benefits extension backed

WASHINGTON -- The House voted last week to extend unemployment payments to workers in states hit hardest by the recession.

Lawmakers voted 331-83 to extend jobless benefits by 13 weeks in 27 states, including Nevada, where the unemployment rate is above 8.5 percent for a three-month average.

Other states would become eligible if their rates climb that high.

About 1.3 million people are at risk of running out of payments by the end of the year without the extension.

Though the bill was supported by lawmakers from both parties, some debated the cause of prolonged unemployment.

Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., said while economic recovery is under way, "there are still six unemployed workers for every available job, so extended unemployment compensation isn't a convenience; it's a necessity."

Rep. John Linder, R-Ga., said leaders need to redouble their efforts to create jobs, not just pay jobless benefits. Since lawmakers began expanding benefits in June 2008, unemployment has risen from 5.8 percent to 9.7 percent, Linder said.

"There are now 6 million more unemployed, including 3 million more long-term unemployed, than when this program was created," Linder said. "We are perpetuating unemployment, not solving it."

Reps. Shelley Berkley and Dina Titus, both D-Nev., and Dean Heller, R-Nev., voted to extend unemployment benefits.

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