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StumblePublished Friday, Nov. 14, 2008 | 9:56 a.m.
Updated Friday, Nov. 14, 2008 | 9:58 a.m.
WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said this morning he will press forward with a smaller economic stimulus package that includes extended unemployment benefits as well as help for the auto makers when the Senate resumes early next week.
Reid, in a letter to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, said he will first seek support for a broad program of jobs creation, funding for states and other aid for unemployed workers.
But knowing Republicans have signaled they would oppose a big spending package, Reid suggested he would then pivot to the two provisions most likely to win the Republican support.
Yet even that vote appears dicey. Republicans in both the House and Senate have strongly opposed a bailout for Detroit. Reid needs their support in the Senate to cross a 60-vote threshold to consider legislation.
“I plan to press forward with two provisions of that package – an extension of unemployment benefits, which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 368-28 and legislation to protect the millions of workers at risk from the possible collapse of our domestic auto industry,” Reid wrote.
“These two provisions both address especially urgent needs and seem most likely to win your support and the support of your caucus. I would hope you would procedurally allow the necessary votes early next week.”
Reid stinks of corporate welfare. Stinky, stinky, stinky.
I don't like this situation either, and the idea of letting the automakers fail does appeal to a small part of me. But there are too many jobs and too many adverse ripple-effects on the economy at stake here to at least not give the option serious, open-minded consideration. The grossly short-sighted, misinformed (or even willfully ignorant) reactions of many of the Nevadans who post on these articles are dismaying. I am also dismayed by these same idiots' visceral, knee-jerk hatred toward certain public servants. Go read some economists' opinions on this issue - sheesh!
What I see as as far, far more important to America, contribute more to America than the "Big Three", and are far more essential to a smooth running nation are our state governments, all of which - from New York to California - are on the very real edge of failing.
Has the news of this situation not reached Boss Reid's penthouse at his permanent residence in D.C.?
Oh, yeah,...state governments aren't PAC contributors for Boss Reid. And the Boss keeps his pension and health benefits no matter how bad things get here in NevaDUH.