Benefits were extended in 2008 and are set to expire today. Unemployment benefits are provided to those who are looking for work and can be withdrawn if criteria are not met. It is expected that this will cause a drop in the unemployment rate, since those who lose benefits may become frustrated and stop looking for work-- thus removing them from the unemployment figures. President Obama has called for an extension, once Congress returns from its recess.
Opponents of an extension say that the unemployment rate has gone down, people should have planned for the expiration and gotten jobs by now, and that benefits make people too dependent on government. Supporters counter that the rate is still at a historically high level, jobs are still hard to find, and the basic support provided by benefits wouldn't discourage people from striving for a higher standard of living. Opponents also state that benefits only add to the deficits, since they are expected to cost $25 billion. Supporters say that government stimulus has helped the economy grow.
Either way, the fight over benefits will only add to the war that is sure to be waged over the debt ceiling when Congress returns from recess.
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I don't see the option where it should've been expired long ago. Too many people are just flat out lazy, there are plenty of jobs out there, yeah it might not be the perfect job or one you want but life is rarely perfect suck it up and grow a pair.