House Passes Jobs Bill

The Washington Post reported, "The House voted 217 to 201 to approve a $15 billion measure that would give tax breaks to companies for hiring new employees. Six Republicans joined the vast majority of Democrats in supporting the bill," though the Post added that "more than 30 Democrats voted against the measure. Liberals complained that it is too small and too focused on tax cuts rather than on spending." NBC Nightly News’ Brian Williams noted that the bill now must be “reconciled with the Senate version before it can go on to the President's desk for signature."

The AP reported that the bill total is approximately $35 billion as it blends “$15 billion in tax cuts and subsidies for infrastructure bonds issued by local governments with the $20 billion in transportation money...” The AP noted passage came "despite doubts among many lawmakers that it will create many jobs," as "some Democrats feel the approximately $35-billion jobs bill is too puny, while others say the tax cut for new hires won't generate many new jobs. However, the pressure is on to address jobs and deliver a badly needed win for President Barack Obama and a Democratic Party struggling in opinion polls and facing major losses in the upcoming midterm elections." Added the AP: "Further jobs measures are promised."