Jobless benefits extension fails

WASHINGTON, June 11 (UPI) -- U.S. House Democrats could not muster a two-thirds majority Wednesday to pass a bill that would increase unemployment benefits by 13 weeks.

The vote to suspend the rules and pass the bill failed 299-144.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said extending unemployment benefits was neither a Democratic nor a Republican issue.

"It is not charity, it is our obligation," Hoyer said.

He said the number of unemployed in America rose from 6.9 million in May 2007 to 8.5 million in May 2008.

"These are Americans who need our help," Hoyer said. "We need to lift them up (and) give them a helping hand."

In arguing against the bill, Rep Jerry Weller, R-Ill., agreed with Hoyer that unemployment was not a partisan issue.

"We're prepared to work to achieve this goal," he said. "But if we want to be compassionate, (then) do it in the right way."

He said the bill would repeal a requirement of 20 weeks of employment to qualify for 52 weeks of unemployment benefits.

"That's the big concern," Weller said.

He asked that the bill be delayed to allow an amendment that would delete the repeal be introduced and approved.