Despite the opposition from members of the Republican Party , President Obama signed an $18 Billion Benefits Bill into law on Thursday April 15, providing a 6-week benefit extension for the long-term unemployed. The president signed the historic bill just hours after it was passed by Congress. The legislation is of particular significance to African Americans, whom are hardest hit by unemployment.
Republicans voiced their disapproval and denounced the bill stating that it would compound the federal deficit. “It increases the deficit by $18 billion, a cost to be paid for by future generations,” said Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan. “This legislation is yet another unfortunate example of business as usual in our nation’s capital,” concludes Moran.
The bill will include health subsidies for the unemployed and a restoration of full Medicaid payments to doctors.
President Obama expressed his gratitude to Congress for their cooperation in passing the temporary extension. “Millions of Americans who lost their jobs in this economic crisis depend on unemployment and health insurance benefits to get by as they look for work and get themselves back on their feet,” Obama said. “But as I requested in my budget, I urge Congress to move quickly to extend these benefits through the end of this year.”
During a time when hundreds of thousands of American’s are unemployed and dependent on some from of government assistance, passing the benefit extension bill is another assurance that the president is sensitive and in-tune to the needs of average Americans. –christian johnson
