Frederick Said:

Did the Senate vote today to extend tax cuts extend unemployment for 2011?

We Answered:

Tomorrow they are set to vote on it. It looks like it will pass big 75 plus.

Nathan Said:

Are you against the bailout bill? Are any of these key votes in the Senate today your senators?

We Answered:

I am against the bailout because it most obviously isn't working.

Louise Said:

Why is the US Senate requiring Gen. Petraeus, McChrystal to testify AFTER Obama announces his strategy?

We Answered:

Because it is standard procedure to hold informational hearings after national policy decisions are being made - particularly if those decisions will require the expendature of large amounts of money.

Once the President (and sometimes Congress) makes a decision about WHAT to do, hearings are scheduled so that the bigwigs can provide informational testimony about HOW the what will be done and to provide high-level analysis of whatever necessary details (money, logistics, expected outcomes, etc).

Check out the Senate and House webpages. Look at the different committees and subcommittees and you will find summaries for recent and pending hearings.

Lester Said:

did the senate vote today on the billhr3548?

We Answered:

It looks like they voted on the cloture motion on an amendment to the bill.

A final vote will be in several days at the earliest.

Darlene Said:

How did the Senate pass Financial Regulation Bill with 59 votes today? Don't they need 60 to stop a filibuster?

We Answered:

One didn't vote (abstain or didn't show for the vote). That makes the needed passage one less. Three Republicans did vote for it.

Oscar Said:

Senate may vote today on tax rebate? Is this true?

We Answered:

Senate Republicans on Wednesday narrowly blocked a Democratic-backed economic stimulus plan that was costlier than a House of Representatives-passed measure by extending cash rebates to retirees and disabled veterans and stretching out unemployment benefits.

The Senate legislation, valued at about $158 billion, and aimed at averting a U.S. recession, was offered as an alternative to the bill backed by President George W. Bush that overwhelmingly passed the House last week. The $146 billion House measure would give individuals a one-time $600 payment and couples $1,200, plus $300 per child.

The Senate Democratic version would have provided payments of $500 to individuals and $1,000 for couples, plus $300 per child, but with higher income caps. The goal is to give consumers money so they can spend it quickly and give the ailing U.S. economy a lift.

The bill further broadened the benefits by allowing cash payments to an estimated 250,000 disabled veterans and 20 million senior citizens who get government benefit checks but have little or no earned income.

It was not immediately clear what the sharply divided Senate would do next.

Lori Said:

Did the senate vote on extending unemployment benefits today?

We Answered:

They voted on their insurance bill. It passed and I hope it get reworked in the final bill.*