The stalemate over a legislation that would increase unemployment subsidies continued between Democrats and Republicans in Senate today. Both parties were engaged in exchanging accusations on who was responsible for the impasse.
The Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada, came up with a new version of the legislation the other day that envisages significant changes in taxing system. The Senator also attempted to garner support of Republicans over the bill. But prior to the tabling of the new bill, aides asserted that Reid had not enough support to ensure smooth passage of the bill.
Meanwhile, the deadlock over the legislation has continued for almost eight weeks. Democrats have claimed that they will again table the bill for the vote. The Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, maintained that increase in subsidies should not add on the fiscal deficit. He also announced that he would table a new proposal on the matter on Thursday. “It has one thing in common with every other version they’ve offered: it adds new taxes and over $30 billion to an already staggering $13 trillion national debt,” Mr. McConnell said.
Meanwhile, some centrist Republicans, who have shown more flexibility over the matter, have called upon Democrats to take extra initiatives to cover the cost of legislation. The Democrats have reportedly slashed provision of higher Medicaid reimbursement for the states from USD 24 billion to USD 16 billion. McConnell , however, seemed positive as he said that the two sides have reached on some common points. “Now we even agree on redirecting untimely and untargeted money from the failed stimulus bill,” he remarked.
