IMO, the Dims have shot themselves in the foot. They wrote the bill so the benefits are delayed for four years, so it looks like it’s way less expensive than it really is. But a bill passed with reconciliation can only be in force for five years.
So, the majority party Republicans can let it die without too much public grief in 5 years.
Your right about no benefits..there ARE NO benefits....at least scheduled until 2014(and IMHO..there NEVER will be any benefits whatsoever paid) ...this is a TAX BILL...(retroactive to January 01, 2010) and it is critical to the fall elections...without it...they haven’t the cash to put on the street for the balance of the “stimulus” packaged they need to GOTV with ACORN and SEIU. If this thing passes....the elections will be so bought....