Reid says he’s cautiously optimistic about a jobless bill compromise
WASHINGTON – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says he is cautiously optimistic that a compromise is close on legislation to renew jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed.
The Nevada Democrat made his comments at a news conference. He provided no details.
The Senate has been working on a three-month extension of a program that expired on Dec. 28, immediately cutting off benefits of roughly $256 weekly for more than one million hurt by the recession.
Deficit-conscious Republicans have said they will only agree to renew the program if the costs are paid for. In return, the White House and Senate Democrats say they want a long-term renewal and not one that expires in another three months.
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