Yes, but only for a limited time. In late December 2009, Congress passed the 2010 Defense Appropriations Act (2010 Defense Act). The new law temporarily extends the eligibility period for COBRA premium assistance through February 28, 2010 and the duration of the subsidy for an additional six months (up to 15 months).
January brought two surprises to Capitol Hill. Health care reform, which appeared to be on a fast track to enactment, was significantly slowed by the Democrats’ loss of their filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Congress also did not pass a retroactive extension of the federal estate tax for 2010, leaving intact, at least for the immediate future, a new carryover basis regime. The new make-up of the Senate is expected to shift Congress’ focus to more job creation measures, possibly with some targeted business tax cuts.
I was scouring the internet headlines to find out what Washington was doing about the economy and the banking system and I discovered they were busy with more pressing problems when I found this blog on washingtonwatch.com, posted by Jim Harper.
