http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-10-08-unemployment-benefits-agreement_N.htm
Senate Democrats said Thursday they have reached a deal to extend unemployment insurance benefits to the nearly 2 million jobless workers across the country who are in danger of running out of assistance by the end of the year.
The agreement would give an additional 14 weeks of benefits to jobless workers in all 50 states. Workers in states with an unemployment rate at 8.5% or above would receive six weeks on top of that.
Democrats said they could try to bring the measure to a quick vote on the Senate floor Thursday evening, depending on whether Republicans demand more extended debate time.
The House last month approved legislation that gives 13 weeks of extended benefits, but only in those 27 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico that have unemployment rates of at least 8.5%.
