Information about the vote from special interest groups and other information providers in our Report Cards:
AFL-CIO
ECONOMIC STIMULUS II—H.R. 3529.
The first so-called economic stimulus bill that House Republican leaders narrowly squeaked through in October failed to go anywhere in the Senate. But instead of trying to reach a compromise that would have directed more help to working families, House leaders offered another economic stimulus bill that contained massive tax cuts for corporations and upper-income taxpayers, but only meager benefits for laid-off workers.
The Republican bill provided 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits, but no expansion of coverage and no increase in the weekly benefit. The bill provided a small tax credit for individuals to purchase health care on the private market, but no meaningful reforms that would have ensured that such coverage was available and affordable.
The Democratic plan, which Republican leaders blocked from a vote, contained the 13-week UI extension, plus an increase in the weekly benefit and new eligibility rules to cover part-time and intermittent workers. The Democratic plan also included a 75 percent subsidy to cover the cost of COBRA, and more than $5 billion in direct aid to states. The bill passed.
United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers
ECONOMIC STIMULUS.
The House of Representatives voted for an Economic Stimulus bill (HR3529) of mostly tax cuts for big business and the wealthy, with inadequate funds for laid-off workers. The economic stimulus controversy ended without a final bill; debate will resume in 2002.Service Employees International Union
House Leadership Approves Tax Cuts at Expense of Unemployed.
In the wee hours of the morning (3:54 a.m.), the U.S. House leadership passed another version of its economic stimulus legislation. This legislation is a ten-year cost of $160 billion, in exchange for $100 billion in simulative effect. Again, the package leaves unemployed workers with no real assistance in gaining unemployment benefits or continued health care coverage. The bill uses block grants to give states "flexibility" to supplement current employment and health benefits in states where the events of September 11 have caused a spike in the number of jobless.
Unfortunately, "FLEXIBILITY" means the states don't have to do anything to help the unemployed, as the bill does not mandate expanded UI coverage or health care coverage. Nine (9) Democrats joined Republicans in passing the legislation and two (2) Republicans voted against their leadership. Eighteen (18) members were absent.
Americans for Tax Reform
Economic Stimulus.
The House passed a bill stimulating the economy by cutting individual and business taxes by $90 B in 2002, extending unemployment benefits, and providing and health insurance tax credit.