For example, setting a higher standard for the weekly benefit amount and automatic “stabilizers” would likely prove too costly for the $3.5 trillion budget measure, they said.

Conti explained that “there isn’t enough space for this right now.” But we will continue to fight for this tooth and nail.”

Moderate Democrats already objected to the proposed price tag for overall legislation. This includes measures related to climate, health, education, and childcare.

Monday’s Senate bill would establish a minimum of six months to receive unemployment benefits. Most states offer benefits for a minimum 26-week period. But some — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina and South Carolina — offer less, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The shortest offer is in North Carolina, which offers 13 weeks.

This bill will also allow more workers to be eligible for benefits. It will require technology improvements.

Diez stated that the program was so flawed and had really failed Americans for decades. Some improvement would be more beneficial than none.