House to try again on unemployment

House Ways and Means Chairman Sandy Levin (D-Mich.) said the measure would extend unemployment benefits through November but will not include the extra $25 included in checks under last year’s stimulus bill.

The cost of the bill also will not be offset. Republicans in the Senate have repeatedly blocked such legislation in that chamber, arguing the nation’s budget deficit and debt demand all spending be offset with other spending cuts.

Levin indicated the House hopes the stand-alone measure will pass the Senate before the July 4th recess. 

On Friday, Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) said she would support an extension to unemployment benefits even if they are not offset. Snowe had previously voted against several bills that included unemployment benefits and other provisions because they were not offset.

Still, even if Snowe votes yes, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will need at least one other Republican if Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Nev.) continues to oppose the extension because it is not offset. 

This story was updated at 12:37 p.m.