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Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning single-handedly put a hold on a temporary extension for a wide range of jobless benefits.  The House has passed the bill and Bunning’s objection is the only thing stopping it in the Senate.

HLN’s Jennifer Westhoven says this is a really tough blow to the already struggling unemployed.

“I mean we are talking about millions of people, Robyn, who are depending on these benefits to try and pay their bills, to try and keep their homes, to feed their families. It’s really unprecedented though to have the government this involved—providing this much of a safety net. But that may come to an end for a lot of people.”

Republican Senator Jon Kyl tells Fox News the Senate will solve the issue – at least for now.

“It will pass though, because it is a temporary extension.  The question for the longer term extension is a different issue because that’s well over $100 billion.”

And though lawmakers expect the bill to provide temporary relief, plans for a much-needed long-term solution seem uncertain. Daily Kos explains:

“…while the 1.2 million Americans whose benefits expired at midnight yesterday may get a reprieve, the nearly 5 million whose benefits expire between now June 1 could find themselves in big trouble if a longer extension isn't approved. ... [But] a more permanent extension faces considerable Republican opposition." 


Bunning reportedly doesn't like how the government plans to pay for the bill—which he says would add to the deficit. On CNBC, the Wall Street Journal’s John Fund defends Bunning’s position.

”But I think some Senator has to stand up at some point and say, you can’t have this pay go law, which says you have to pay for something then just routinely ignore it. At some point, we have to obey the law.”

Writer: Chelsea Donohoe

Producer: Newsy Staf