Dem-Led Senate Defeats Obama's Jobs Bill

(Newsroom America) -- The Democratic-led Senate defeated President Obama's American Jobs Bill on Tuesday, another signal that Congress remains paralyzed on a number of hot-button issues.

The $447 billion plan failed on a vote of 50-48, well short of the 60 votes needed for passage.

Obama, who was campaigning in Florida during the vote, in a statement following the outcome, placed the blame on Republicans, accusing them of obstruction and pledging to work with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, on getting individual measures of the bill passed.

"Ultimately, the American people won't take 'no' for an answer. It's time for Congress to meet their responsibility, put their party politics aside and take action on jobs right now," Obama said.

Every Republican present voted against the measure. Democratic Sens. Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Jon Tester of Montana, both states Obama is likely to lose next year, voted with Republicans in opposing the plan. Reid changed his vote to "nay" to force a future vote.

Earlier Tuesday, when it appeared unlikely the measure would pass, Obama said he would work to pass individual provisions of the bill.

Though the legislation appears dead in the water, it is likely to be revived often on the campaign trail, as both sides are expected to hit each other over the state of the economy.

Jobs creation has been a hot topic in Washington over the past year, as the nation's unemployment rate has remained stubbornly high despite some growth in the economy.

The jobless rate has been above 9 percent or more since April, according to Labor Department statistics.

© 2011 Newsroom America.

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