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Mo. Senate filibuster blocking $81 million in unemployment benefits

Mo. Senator Jim Lembke (R, Lemay)
Mo. Senate
Mo. Senator Jim Lembke (R, Lemay)

Some Republicans in the are blocking legislation to draw down $81 million in federal unemployment benefits.

The funding would go to Missouri residents who've been out of work for more than 79 weeks, and authorizing the draw down must be passed by Thursday or else the money will go to other states.

The filibuster is being led by (R, Lemay).

"I think it's about time that the states start saying 'no' to this federal money that's being borrowed from China (and) that is making up the $1.6 trillion debt that we have in this nation," Lembke said.

Lembke is also getting assistance from a few Republican freshmen.  The is not backing Lembke's maneuver, but it is unlikely that they would move to end a filibuster by a member of their own party.

(D, Kansas City) calls the filibuster a bad policy decision.

"Missourians need this (money)," Justus said.  "It's irresponsible to send the money back, and I think they should do everything in their power to get it passed within the deadline."

Marshal was a political reporter for © 2024 ÍâÍøÌìÌà until 2018.