Sen. Lisa Murkowski was among 46 Republicans and two Democrats voting against advancing the jobs bill. Alaska's Democratic senator, Mark Begich, voted in support. Begich said the American people have made clear that they want something done to create jobs and jumpstart the economy. He said members of Congress "can't continue to stall progress simply to make a political statement."
Murkowski said the plan fell far short of what is needed to have a significant impact. She said a "long-term, responsible" approach is needed to get the country on solid footing. That's why she said she's supporting such things as tax, tort and regulatory changes.
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