WASHINGTON, D.C. - The House of Representatives today unanimously supported legislation, H.R. 4691, to extend critical unemployment and health care benefits, and ensure Medicare beneficiaries and members of the military and their families continue to have reliable access to their doctors. The legislation extends other programs set to expire at the end of February:
“Millions of Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own should not have to worry about losing their unemployment benefits and health care as they search for their next work opportunity," said Chairman Rangel. “Today’s bill is a necessary step to ensure these families continue receiving the benefits they earned and make sure that millions of Medicare beneficiaries and members of the military and their families can continue to have open access to the doctors they know and trust."
“Make no mistake, if this bill does not become law, it will be due to the actions of one Republican Senator who has threatened to kill it. It is absolutely unconscionable that one Senator could threaten to stall this bill and deny millions the benefits they deserve and need."
Bill text and the summary can be found on our legislation page.
Summary of H.R. 4691 Temporary Extension Act of 2010
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Extension of Unemployment Programs - Extends Federal Unemployment Programs, including the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program, through April 05, 2010.
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Extension of COBRA Assistance - Extends eligibility for 65% subsidy for COBRA premiums through end of March 2010 and includes technical improvements.
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Extension of Medicare Physician Update - Extends current Medicare payment rates for physicians (preventing a 21% payment reduction) through end of March 2010.
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Extension of Medicare Therapy Caps Exceptions - Extends exceptions process for beneficiary payment limits on outpatient therapy services through end of March 2010.
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Extension of Poverty Guidelines - Extends current provision maintaining 2009 poverty guidelines through end of March 2010.
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Extension of Surface Transportation Programs - Extends Surface Transportation Programs and related authority to make expenditures from the highway trust fund through March 28, 2010.
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Extension of National Flood Insurance Program - Extends provision through March 28, 2010.
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Extension of Small Business Loan Grantee Program - Extends program through March 28, 2010 and appropriates an additional $60 million for the program.
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Satellite Television Extension - Extends the copyright license used by satellite television providers through March 28, 2010.
