Some members of Congress say the new "jobs bill" they just voted for isn't worth the paper it's written on. Under the plan, businesses would receive a break on the social security tax for hiring unemployed workers. If the workers stay for a year, the business would then receive another $1,000 credit. The legislation would also add $20 billion to highway construction funds.

More than 8-million jobs have been lost since the beginning of the recession. Economist Mark Zandi of Moody's told the Associated Press that the legislation could spark the creation of 250,000 new jobs, but Democrats and Republicans alike sound disgusted with their actions, according to the AP:

"It simply encourages conduct that would occur anyway," said Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas. Rep. Steve LaTourette, R-Ohio, said he asked businessmen at town meetings in his Rust Belt district whether they would hire people based on the payroll tax holiday. "Nobody raised their hands," LaTourette said. "This is not going to create one job."

"It's an insipid, weak piece of legislation," said Jim McDermott, D-Wash.

"It's not that good, but it's better than nothing," said Jim McGovern, D-Mass. "And we're going to have to do more. But the bill that I would have liked to have seen pass can't pass the United States Senate.

These politicians sound like they are losing their minds.First of all, I agree with McGovern that the $35-billion piece of legislation is better than nothing. For up to 250,000 Americans, and hopefully many more, returning to work will be a great boost. Many people have been out of work for more than a year. People are losing hope, homes are going in to foreclosure and unemployment benefits are drying up.

Isn't that cause for our legislators to take some action? I think so.

Second, instead of spending time trashing the bill, legislators should get themselves back in to the chambers and hash out something that will have a greater effect. A "100 billion-plus bill that would extend unemployment assistance, revive a bevy of expired tax breaks, help states with soaring Medicaid costs and prevent doctors from having to absorb big cuts in Medicare payments," is a good place to start.

"It's ridiculous that it's taken so long for the Senate to overcome indifference and obstruction to finally send a bill back to the House, which represents just a fraction of what we need to do to help the unemployed," House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey, D-Wis. told the AP. "But better late than never, and better something than nothing."

Americans should take note of the idiocy going on in Washington. Republicans and Democrats are more concerned about upcoming midterm elections than helping Americans back to work. Only 6 Republicans in the House joined Democrats in approving the bill, even though it initially received bipartisan support in the Senate.

This is one of many slights that Americans should remember come election time. Maybe we need to send some independents to Washington or people that pledge to put the partisan politics aside for now and do what's needed to help Americans.