Lawmakers From Hard Hit States Push For More On Stimulus

President Bush and House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) have warned against adding much to the carefully negotiated economic stimulus deal, but a growing number of lawmakers are intent on adding potentially billions in unemployment benefits to the package.

Several Democratic lawmakers from Michigan, where unemployment has hit 7.5 percent, have written a letter to congressional leaders asking for a 20 week extension of unemployment insurance. The lawmakers, including Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, say  "Michigan continues to be affected disproportionately by domestic and global economic forces" and therefore deserves special attention.

Maine Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe has also started a push for extension of unemployment benefits. If Snowe can win over other moderate Republicans, along with the Senate's 51 Democrats, she could achieve a 60-vote filibuster-proof majority on an amendment to extend unemployment benefits.

“The number of long-term unemployed in this country is dramatically higher than during the last recession, and I hope that Congress will pass a stimulus package that responds to this pressing need for so many Americans," Snowe said.

Boehner, who sacrificed the requests of many of his conservative House members in cutting a deal with Pelosi, has pushed back on any extra spending beyond the tax rebates and small business incentives, suggesting it could upset the delicate balance that led to Thursday's breakthrough announcement.

"It would be irresponsible for Senate Democrats to load this bill up with pork and other spending," Boehner said. "Families and small businesses need help now, and this agreement shouldn’t be derailed because of partisan politics."

Senate Democrats will certainly argue that unemployment benefits aren't "pork" but it's too early to say if adding money for the unemployment program will derail the agreement.