Extension of unemployment compensation benefits blocked in Senate

On June 17, 2010, a minority of the U.S. Senate blocked passage of a bill that would have extended unemployment compensation benefits for unemployed Mainers and others around the nation. The extension of unemployment benefits is one provision in a larger bill intended to help create and protect jobs. The opponents of the legislation, which include Senators Snowe and Collins, contend that the bill is too costly and would add to the deficit.