House Gears Up For Jobs Vote

The House is set to vote Tuesday afternoon on legislation that the Democratic leadership claims will prevent thousands of teachers and other government employees from being laid-off.

The $26 billion bill narrowly passed in the Senate last Thursday, an outcome that prompted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to suspend August recess in order to schedule a vote.

Republicans have criticized the legislation as a political move designed to appease special interests groups, but have also lambasted the decision to suspend the recess, arguing that Congress should instead be using the time off  to listen to their constituents.

A vote is expected by 2:30 pm. President Obama is scheduled to deliver a statement in the hours before urging the bill’s passage.