Watch CBS News

Ask CBS News: Paying for Unemployment Benefits

In our ongoing segment "Ask CBS News," we've answer your questions about the Gulf oil spill. Viewers can leave questions on "CBS Evening News" Anchor Katie Couric's Twitter page or the CBS News Facebook page.

Follow Katie Couric on Twitter
Like CBS News on Facebook
Special Section: Disaster in the Gulf

Tonight we answered another one of your questions about unemployment benefits.

A viewer Tweeted, "Extend the benefits but pay for them TARP money."

CBS News Senior White House correspondent Bill Plante says that's not possible. "They'd have to change the law. There's plenty of TARP money, $194 billion has been paid back - and the government has earned $23 billion in interest. But, they have to use that money to pay down the deficit. So they'd have to change the law to pay unemployment benefits with it."

More Oil Spill Questions and Answers
Ask CBS News: Does BP Have Wildlife Fund?
Ask CBS News: What Stops Oil Flow on Other Rigs?
Ask CBS News: Will Oil Spill Affect Gas Prices?
Ask CBS News: Are BP's Oil Relief Wells Safe?
Ask CBS News: Is Gulf Shellfish Safe to Eat?
Ask CBS News: Can Foreign Ships Help Clean Up?
Ask CBS News: What's the Value of Oil Lost?
Ask CBS News: Why Doesn't La. Want Moratorium?
Ask CBS News: How Many Offshore Rigs are There?
Ask CBS News: Is Burning Oil on Water Effective?
Ask CBS News: Can I Volunteer to Clean Up Oil?
CBS News Answers Your Oil Spill Questions
CBS News Answers More Oil Spill Questions

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.