Emergency unemployment benefits and senatorial "jitters" over an Enbridge oil pipeline running through the Straits of Mackinac: Both are issues consuming attention from Michigan's congressional delegation.
More than a week ago, a federal unemployment benefits program expired, leaving 1.3 million jobless Americans without aid. Some 45,000 of them are here in Michigan.
The program is the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. In Michigan, the EUC added 36 more weeks to the state's regular 20 weeks of benefits.
On Capitol Hill today, Democrats are trying to pressure House Republicans to extend the program for three more months.
Meanwhile, the Obama administration is trying to ease concerns over an oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac.
Detroit Free Press Washington reporter Todd Spangler joins us now to tell us more about these issues.
Listen to the full interview above.
