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Senate Finance Committee Passed Democratic Backed Stimulus Plan

November 9, 2001

The Senate Finance Committee approved a Democratic $67 billion economic stimulus plan on a 11-10 party-line vote. The full Senate has yet to take up the measure.

The bill will provide $6 billion to subsidize health care premiums for unemployed workers under the federal COBRA program.

It also includes $14 billion to extend unemployment benefits by 13 weeks to unemployed workers and includes part-time workers who do not currently qualify.

The bill also includes $14 billion in rebate checks to those who pay only payroll taxes.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle added that a $20 billion package of new homeland security spending will be added in a manager's amendment during floor debate.

GOP leadership aides have said Republicans intend to raise a 60-vote budget point of order against the bill. Daschle said he cannot believe Republicans would use such a "delaying tactic."

"Congress rushed to bail-out the airline companies," IBEW President Ed Hill said, "now it's time to help the workers. So far, no Republicans seem to care."