Senate Ends Fillibuster on Jobless Benefits, Flood Insurance Program

April 13, 2010

The U.S. Senate voted Monday to end debate on a bill to extend unemployment benefits and COBRA health insurance subsidies that also includes a reauthorization of the national flood insurance program.

The vote to end a Republican fillibuster was 60 to 34, with Republicans Scott Brown of Massachusetts, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine, and George V. Voinovich of Ohio siding with Democrats. Six senators did not vote.

The Senate is now free to take up the actual measure this week, although the final vote could still be days way. There is no guarantee that all who voted to end debate will support the bill itself.

The entire measure is estimated to add $9 billion to the deficit. Republicans argued that the funds for the benefits should be designated before the extension is passed, while Democrats said the unemployment situation amounts to an emergency.

The flood insurance program has been unable to issue new policies for two weeks since Congress adjourned without passing the extension.

Topics Flood Politics

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Latest Comments

  • April 15, 2010 at 3:54 am
    Banker says:
    I know that everywhere has the potential for flooding, but I don't know what the risk of floosing is. But it sounds like floosing might be fun.
  • April 15, 2010 at 3:45 am
    TX Agentman says:
    Sorry to tell you this, but all of the US is a flood zone. If it rains there, there is always the potential for a flood. Some areas are more prone to floosing then others.
  • April 15, 2010 at 5:27 am
    Kathleen Lazine says:
    I was supposed to close on my house on Tuesday; April 13, 2010. The sellers and I are at a standstill because the house is in a flood zone and I can not get a flood insurance... read more

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