Senators release bipartisan jobs bill; measure includes extension of anti-terror Patriot Act

Senators release bipartisan jobs bill

WASHINGTON — Senators have released a bipartisan jobs bill that includes a tax break for companies that hire unemployed workers, money for highway construction, relief for private pensions and a short-term extension of the Patriot Act used to combat terrorism.

The bill would also extend unemployment payments for those whose benefits have run out as well as subsidies to help the jobless continue paying premiums for health insurance.

Democrat Max Baucus of Montana and Republican Chuck Grassley of Iowa released the bill Thursday morning. They said it should be acted on “expeditiously,” but should not be rushed. Baucus is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and Grassley is the top Republican on the Committee.