Democratic leadership has been unable to come to an agreement on the renewal of the aid package, but lawmakers hope to address the issue during the lame-duck session.
The expiration of the aid package comes at a difficult time when Washington lawmakers must also face the end of the Bush-era tax cuts. There is expected to be a lame-duck battle between Democrats and Republicans over deficit spending and financial recovery priorities.
Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) said that Senate Democrats would need the cooperation of Republicans to extend the benefit package while many lawmakers have legitimate concerns over deficit spending in 2011.
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