On Tuesday evening the Republicans floated a plan to extend the unemployment programs for 13 months, but the extension would have to be paid-for by $95 billion in cuts implemented by the Office of Management and Budget.
"We think it is a significant proposal to extend unemployment for 13 months; it does recognize a program of that duration is necessary,” says Christine Owens, executive director of NELP.
With a new and more conservative Congress coming on board, it will be harder to pass any extensions, admits Ms. Owens. “One of the sticking points is insisting the unemployment insurance be paid for,” she says.
