A 99ers Tier 5 Benefit and Unemployment Extension Update

99ers Tier V unemployment extension hasn't been passed, and the benefits of such haven't even been discussed in the Senate. Although the Senate has reconvened in Washington, the focus is increasingly on the Tea Party and the GOP and not the American people.

Although the unemployment extension is one of the most important political topics, it is among the least discussed. This, of course, is disheartening for all those out there who lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

The Bush Tax Cuts are the focus of legislation right now, as the Republican party wants it passed in its entirety whereas the Democrats only want to renew the middle class tax cuts. Some GOP members will not vote on a measure that doesn't extend the whole kit and caboodle, whereas others express that while they do want the whole thing passed, they will vote yes on a measure if it is the only available and only affects the middle class.

But still, no unemployment extension - either the current one that is expiring in two alarming months. Tiers 1-4 will once again be unavailable, leaving many Americans without the lifeline they need while they try to find work. We can pretty much forget about a Tier 5, or an Americans Want to Work Act.

The Americans who need the unemployment Tier 5 extension - the 99ers - need to keep fighting. This battle won't continue unless we keep it alive. Washington may be hoping that the 99ers "forget" about an extension, but I don't think that will be the case.