Catherwood LibraryILR School

As the economy continues to recover only slowly and job markets remain loose, almost 1 million Americans are facing a very decidedly cheerless holiday season with their unemployment insurance set to run out on December 28. An attempt by Democratic Senators to continue funding extended benefits for the economic victims of September 11 and the ensuing recession was derailed yesterday by the refusal of the Republican House Ways and Means Committee Chairman William M. Thomas to allow any major extension. Thomas’ refusal to work towards a compromise, and president Bush’s decision not to take a stance on the issue have angered some Republicans, and raised fears of a political backlash---especially given Bush’s plans to push a new round of corporate tax cuts.