Jobless Benefits Bill Cleared

After being stalled by Republicans, jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed will finally be restored. The House passed the bill by a vote of 289-112, just hours after the Senate approved it 59-38. The benefits measure had been stalled over Republicans wanting to pay for the $18 billion cost instead of adding it to the budget deficit. The bill will allow several hundred thousand unemployed to reapply for retroactive compensation, after a benefit program expired last week. The measure, which was quickly signed by President Obama, will fund unemployment insurance through June 2. Democrats promise a following bill would extend benefits through the end of the year.