In June, jobless Americans could qualify for up to 99 weeks of jobless benefits.
President Barack Obama is photographed after delivering a televised address from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Tuesday June 15, 2010. President Barack Obama is expected to call on Congress to extend jobless benefits for Americans this morning, according to a White House official.
The president may have strong words for Republicans, who he will state have supported unemployment extensions under Republican presidents, but refuse to provide the same relief to middle class families under a Democrat.
During Obama’s weekly radio and internet address which aired on Saturday, he said that Republicans are to blame for blocking efforts to supply more benefits to those who have ran out of time.
Before June, those who were receiving unemployment benefits were eligible for extensions after the 26 weeks of state benefits had been maxed out.
Depending on the state, jobless Americans could qualify for up to 73 weeks of federal benefits, totaling 99 weeks of jobless benefits. However, Senate Republicans citing deficit concerns blocked the extension two weeks ago.
Jobless benefit extension blocks are not the only thing Obama is criticizing Republicans on. He also says that Republicans are obstructing policies that would help small businesses and the economy.
Latest unemployment news:
»New York Times: A New Senator and a Vote on Jobless Benefits
»USA Today: Obama gets in one last shot at GOP over jobless benefits
»The Washington Post: The Morning Plum: Obama on the offensive
»CNN: Obama to call for extension of jobless benefits
»Wall Street Journal: Obama To Urge Congress To Extend Unemployment Insurance
Do you think Obama's call for action will make Republicans budge? Leave your comments below.