[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2095-S2096]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  UNANIMOUS-CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 4851

  Mr. BAUCUS. Madam President, I would like to follow up a little bit 
and address the same subject addressed by my good friend from Rhode 
Island, Senator Reed.
  Just a little reminder first. On March 10, the Senate passed 
legislation to extend both tax provisions and safety net programs 
through to the end of 2010. That legislation included $34 billion worth 
of tax cuts, an extension of unemployment benefits, an extension of 
COBRA health benefits for laid-off workers, and several other items. 
That legislation was also partially paid for. The Senate bill differs 
from similar legislation passed by the House, and we have not yet had a 
chance to reconcile these differences--one bill in each body.
  In the next couple weeks, however, several of these programs will 
expire. Beginning April 5, some laid-off workers will begin losing 
their unemployment benefits. That is not long from now. Workers laid 
off after March 31 will lose the 65-percent tax credit currently 
available to purchase temporary health insurance. After March 31, 
doctors will see 20 percent reductions in their reimbursements under 
Medicare.
  We should not let these programs expire. Today, we should extend them 
for a month, at least, while we try to meld the Senate and the House 
versions into one bill that the President can sign.
  I think all of us can recall 2 days at the beginning of this month 
when Congress did let these programs temporarily expire. It was not our 
finest hour. I hope we will not do the same this month.
  So I ask, what is holding us up from keeping these programs in place? 
There is no controversy about whether to extend the programs for 1 
month. Both Republicans and Democrats have proposed doing that. Both 
propose extending the programs for at least 1 month until we get the 
yearlong bill resolved. There is only an honest disagreement over 
whether to provide offsets for this bill.
  Most Republicans believe the package should be fully offset. My good 
friend from Iowa offered an amendment to do just that. Most Democrats 
believe unemployment benefits during a recession when we have seen 
unemployment rates rise to double digits signify an emergency and need 
not be offset.
  We are still in a very dire situation. In a moment, I will propound a 
unanimous consent request that seeks to resolve these differences. We 
should do that. Clearly, we should for the benefit of thousands of 
Americans who are struggling as a result of the downsizing that has 
occurred across our Nation in this recession.
  They are the ones bearing the brunt of our failure. They are the ones 
bearing the brunt of our inaction and of our--to be honest--partisan 
differences. It is astounding to me we just cannot get together for the 
sake of people who otherwise will lose their unemployment checks, who 
will not have the benefit of COBRA health insurance, and seniors who 
are in jeopardy because their doctors are not going to get paid for 
Medicare. There is no one to blame but us.

  The COBRA tax credit has helped millions of unemployed workers and 
their families afford health care while looking for a job. Without this 
assistance, the average family would need to pay $1,100 per month to 
keep their health insurance, which is simply unaffordable for most 
unemployed workers. This provision would extend the COBRA tax credit 
through April 30 to ensure newly unemployed workers can also receive 
assistance in affording their health insurance.
  Unemployment insurance benefits have helped millions of Americans 
stay afloat after they have lost their job. We want them to keep those 
benefits, at least for awhile. Folks who lose a job then face an 
economy that has few and sometimes no options for returning to work in 
their community and in their chosen field. In fact, I read recently 
that there are five people looking for every single job opening--five, 
at least five--in America.
  Approximately 1 million workers--that is about 200,000 per week--will 
lose their benefits in April alone. Not only will this cause them and 
their families untold hardship--just think of it, no job, no 
unemployment insurance--it will also cause important money to stop 
flowing through their communities, and that could very well lead to an 
immediate application for food stamps.
  Unlike last month, when the program lapsed for just 2 days because of 
the upcoming recess, the programs will lapse this time for at least a 
week. The State

[[Page S2096]]

agencies will have absolutely no ability to keep their programs up and 
running. They will have to terminate benefits.
  Over 6 million workers are depending on extended benefits and they 
are distraught. Yet again, this debate is going down to the wire, 
causing them unnecessary stress, unnecessary anxiety. They have already 
been through enough. They deserve better. They deserve our support.
  Unemployment benefits are used for basic necessities--food and 
shelter--while the laid-off worker seeks a new job. These benefits are 
critical to a worker and his or her family and to the economies of the 
community. I hope we do what is right and find a solution to help the 
people whom we work for.
  Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to 
the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 323, H.R. 4851, to provide 
a temporary extension of certain programs; that the bill be read three 
times, passed, and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Oklahoma.
  Mr. COBURN. Reserving the right to object, I wish to ask the chairman 
of the committee a question.
  Mr. BAUCUS. I yield.
  Mr. COBURN. Is this bill you have just called up and asked unanimous 
consent to move forward on paid for?
  Mr. BAUCUS. This is a bill which requires urgent attention. It is not 
paid for.
  Mr. COBURN. Given that fact, as I stated in my earlier speech, I 
object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  The Senator from Virginia.
  Mr. WEBB. Madam President, I assume we are now in morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is correct.
  Mr. WEBB. I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 5 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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