Jim Bunning, Republican senator of Kentucky has done it again. On Monday, over 2 million Americans will find out that their unemployment benefits are no more, thanks to the Jim Bummer Bunning!
These unemployment benefits, passed by the house of Representatives on a voice vote, would have went into effect when the present benefits expired, extending them for another 30 days. Mr. Bunnings, however, will have none of that. His main concern had nothing to do with the unemployed receiving these benefits, but with a basket ball game he missed, due to him having to stay in Washington to defend his position.
“We weren’t going to stand around for three and a half hours debating the issue,” he said. “But I want to assure the people who have watched this thing until a quarter of 12, I have missed the Kentucky-South Carolina game that started at 9 o’clock. It is the only redeeming chance we had to beat South Carolina, since they are the only team that has beat Kentucky this year.”
Just for the record, Kentucky won, 82 to 61. Catch it on replay Bunning!
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear said, that over 119, 000 Kentuckians receive benefits from the Federal government. These benefits are set to expire on Sunday. It must also be noted that Kentucky’s unemployment rate is at 10.7%
When asked by Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Ore. to end his objection, Bunning replied, “tough sh*t.”
People are not happy, and for good reasons. According to State police in Hazzard Kentucky, Bunning’s regional office has received numerous bomb threats, with police evacuating the office and searching with dogs. No bombs were found.
Bunning’s spokesman, Mike Reynard, trying to explain Bunning’s position, said;
“If we can’t find $10 billion to fund something all 100 senators agree on, we won’t pay for anything,”
Sen. Claire McCaskill asked,
“Really, 30 days of unemployment insurance—have we gotten to the point that that’s going to be a political football?”
Since this recession started, congress have voted for and extended unemployment benefits for an additional 53 weeks. These votes were had on a bipartisan level. However, Bunning have had enough of helping the over 119, 000 in his own state of Kentucky and the over 2 million whose benefits are set to expire. To put it his way, “tough sh*t!”
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