Thompson only Miss. representative to oppose budget deal
Rep. Bennie Thompson broke with the rest of the Mississippi delegation Thursday and voted against a two-year budget deal because the measure wouldn’t extend long-term unemployment benefits.
“I believe this is a missed opportunity to show compassion and help families across the country,” Thompson, the delegation’s lone Democrat, said in a statement.
In the Senate, Republican Roger Wicker of Mississippi, a member of the Senate Budget Committee, said he also will vote against the budget deal when it comes up in his chamber next week because of provisions relating to military retiree benefits.
The bipartisan budget deal was overwhelmingly approved in the House by a vote of 332-94. The Senate is expected to pass the legislation next week, and President Barack Obama has said he will sign it into law.
Thompson was among 32 Democrats who voted against the budget deal.
Clarion Ledger
11/14
