WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Democrats are poised to push through an extension of unemployment benefits today.
Democrats broke a Republican filibuster by the narrowest of margins yesterday with the decisive vote cast by newly sworn in Sen. Carte Goodwin of West Virginia.
The measure would extend benefits for more than 2 1/2 million long term jobless.
Republicans stress they want to help the nation's unemployed, but say the cost shouldn't be added to the debt.
The payments average $309 a week and senators from states where the jobless rate is in double digits say the checks are key to keeping people in their homes.
This would be the eighth extension of unemployment benefits in the last two years, costing taxpayers $120 billion.
The House is expected to pass the bill after the Senate vote.
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