13 Republicans Join Dems to Pass a Tiny Jobs Bill…

It’s not enough, but it’s a start. Now it goes to the House where they say they will push it right through.

Here’s a clip from the NY Times:

clipped from www.nytimes.com Senate Votes 70-28 to Approve $15 Billion Jobs Bill The Senate today easily approved a $15 billion Democratic plan to try to spur job creation, as lawmakers hastened to demonstrate that they were taking steps to improve the nation’s employment picture. The vote was 70 to 28. Thirteen Republicans joined 55 Democrats and two independents voting in favor. The measure would give employers a temporary exemption from payroll taxes for newly hired workers who had been unemployed for 60 days or more. Though modest in scope, the bill was hailed by Democrats as evidence that after months of impasse, Republicans and Democrats can find some consensus on pressing domestic issues. “For the first time in a long time, we have a bill that is supported by both Democrats and Republicans,” said Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York, the No. 3 Democrat in the Senate and a co-author of the main provision on payroll taxes.

Jobs Bill Passes Major Hurdle After 5 GOPers Join Dems

This does NOT get us a Jobs Bill… it only lets debate proceed. These Republicans can pull out on the final vote.

This clip from TPMDC (there’s more):

clipped from tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com Five Republicans joined Democrats in a key cloture vote moments ago, allowing debate on a jobs package to move forward. After overcoming this hurdle, debate on the bill can begin. Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) broke with his party and voted with the Democrats. So did Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Susan Collins (R-ME), Kit Bond (R-MO) and George Voinovich (R-OH). Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) was the only Democrat to break with his party. The final vote tally was 62-30. It had been uncertain earlier in the day whether any Republicans would help Democrats reach 60 votes and overcome the threat of a GOP filibuster. With Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) out of the Senate after being diagnosed with stomach cancer, Democrats needed at least two Republican votes to overcome a GOP filibuster threat. “Work with us on this,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said moments before the vote. “Show us you’re serious about legislating.”