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Reporting from Washington —
An effort to extend benefits for the long-term unemployed stalled Tuesday on Capitol Hill when the Senate voted 45-52 to block the $140-billion catchall bill that also would delay a Medicare fee cut, extend a hodgepodge of expiring tax cuts, and includes other provisions that Democrats say will help stimulate job growth.
Although the bill also included tax increases on investment managers and oil companies to help offset the cost, it has run into opposition from Republicans as well as many Democrats who are worried about adding to the burgeoning budget deficit.
The vote to block the bill came on a motion to waive budget rules to allow it to pass — a motion that would have required 60 votes. Eleven Democrats and one independent — Joe Lieberman of Connecticut — joined 40 Republicans in voting against the waiver.
