US House approves jobless, health benefits for hurricane victims

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2005

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The US House of Representatives approved unemployment benefits for workers who lost their jobs because of Hurricane Katrina.

The bill would also provide health care benefits for low income storm victims.

"The US House of Representatives is making a strong statement in supporting individuals and families affected by Hurricane Katrina," said Bill Thomas, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

"I urge the Senate to act quickly on this legislation that not only provides critical relief to those who lost their jobs, but does it in a fiscally responsible way."

The bill would be paid for by prohibiting the federal Medicare and Medicaid health programs from covering prescriptions for Viagra or similar drugs that treat erectile...