Benefits of U.S. 'jobs' bills murky

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WASHINGTON, June 22 (UPI) -- This week's movement on major legislative packages in the U.S. Congress may not have much effect on unemployment, experts said.

The Los Angeles Times said despite a plethora of so-called "jobs bills" most will have no direct impact on hiring and will likely only create a more favorable environment in specialized areas.

Experts told the Times, however, that some bills could create new employment, such as the Highway Bill or approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. Less clear is the effect of Republican-backed breaks for people in the higher tax brackets.

The overall effect on consumer spending that tax breaks might have could be offset by the curtailing of unemployment benefits or spending that would keep public employees on the job.

Still, voters can expect Congress and President Obama to tout their ideas for tweaking the economy, aiding a particular sector or even altering healthcare reform to be touted as a job-creating measure, the Times said.