President Barack Obama “hasn’t given up” on an unemployment extension, Press Secretary Jay Carney said Thursday, even though a five-month bill is about to expire without action in the House.  

Asked what the unemployed should think, Carney said they don’t have many friends in House Republican leadership. He said it’s a “shame” that the GOP hasn’t acted to extend the benefits. He also noted that Republicans supported an unemployment benefits extension under President George W. Bush when conditions were better than they are today.  

Carney said the president is still calling on Congress to pass an extension and “hopes they do.” At last check, however, Obama had not picked up the phone to call Speaker John A. Boehner to ask him what it would take to put a bill on the floor.  

Nor has he threatened to veto any Republican priorities in return for an unemployment extension, or offer to back any of their priorities as part of a deal.  

Related stories:

Carney: A ‘Shame’ Unemployment Extension is Going Nowhere


Unemployment Extension: Jack Reed Hasn’t Given Up


Will Obama Call Boehner on Unemployment Extension?


White House Stops Short of Threatening to Veto Tax Cut Bill


Perez Offers to Negotiate Unemployment Extension With Boehner


Senate Passes Unemployment Benefits Extension


Unemployment Extension Vote Not Worrying House Republicans

Get breaking news alerts from Roll Call in your inbox or
on your iPhone.