House Passes Jobs Bill, Will Resume Recess

The House today passed a $26 billion measure that will provide emergency funding to cash-strapped states. $16 billion will go toward extending Medicaid funding through November, while the other $10 billion will help states avoid laying off teachers, policemen and other first responders.

The final vote today was 247-161 with three Democrats voting against the bill and two Republicans voting for it. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who called the House back into session for today’s vote, announced the tally, banged her gavel, and with that the House returned to its summer recess.

The White House announced after the vote that President Barack Obama would sign it into law later in the day…

Pelosi Applauds Senate On Passage Of State Aid Bill

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) released the following statement shortly after the Senate voted 61-39 to pass a $26 billion bill that aims to help states avoid mass layoffs:

“With today’s action, Senate Republicans’ tactics of delay, obstruction, and political posturing will no longer deny states and communities the aid they need to create jobs and provide vital services to the American people.  We will bring House Members back next week to pass this urgent legislation and send it to the President’s desk without delay.”‪