Holidays: Unemployment Extension Benefits 2010 Expire, Tier 5 & 99ers Worry

The unemployment extension and the 2010 benefits expire in five short days.  The hopes for a tier 5 for the 99ers grows more and more uncertain as we grow closer to the end of the lame duck session.  The Bush Tax Cuts and the Dream Act remain more important to the GOP and the Democrats during their last chance to push bills through the house before the GOP takes over.

Today is Thanksgiving Day, and there are many moms and dads out there who are preparing a modest meal, watching holiday shows on TV, and trying to act as normal as possible so as not to ruin the holidays for their young children.  While the kids aren't around, they are trying to figure out how they are going to purchase toys and presents

A couple of weeks ago, Congress tried to "fast track" extending the current emergency federal benefits, with no avail.  The measure failed to get a 2/3 majority required, but even if it would have it would have faced an uphill battle in the Senate.

The GOP wants to ensure that any measure is paid for by spending cuts or increased taxes. They also don't want to push through any measures that the Democrats are passionate about, unless there's some deal with the Bush Tax Cuts.

Of course, the ideal situation would be this.  The Democrats would say "ok" to the GOPs desires to keep the Bush Tax Cuts in place, and in turn the GOP would extend unemployment benefits for at least six more months.

Will that happen? It's hard to say.  However, in five short days the 2010 unemployment extension will expire, and it won't be just the 99ers who need a Tier 5 who will be struggling for answers.