Among the 20 or so people braving the cold as they lined up outside a Chicago unemployment office, there was some sense of relief. Now that the blockade against extending jobless benefits is over, they’ll be able to continue getting their checks. \u00a0“I can keep paying my bills, that means something” said a shivering Tom Dober, as he waited for the doors to the office to open. \u00a0 There was fear among many that benefits would be cut off, as a battle among lawmakers was waged in Washington DC. Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning\u00a0staged a filibuster, to block a bill extending jobless benefits and health insurance subsidies for unemployed Americans. \u00a0Several in line called the whole political battle “ridiculous”, and accused Washington lawmakers of not knowing how the “little people” felt. \u00a0While Dober admitted he was concerned about not getting his government cash, \u00a0he said he supported Bunning, “I think he’s right. \u00a0If there’s no money to pay it (unemployment benefits), they should figure something else out”.<\/p>\n
Bunning gave in late Tuesday night, ended his filibuster, and the jobless benefits extensions bill passed 78-19. \u00a0Click here to see comments \u00a0about the congressional battle from Greg Mills, a Chicago writer who says he depends on unemployment checks during the lean times: <\/p>\n