REPUBLICANS shut down Democrat Attempt to extend Jobless Benefits

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The bill would have extended the average $300-a-week unemployment benefit check by 13 weeks for all Americans. Job seekers in high unemployment states like Alaska, California, Michigan and Rhode Island would have been able to get an extra 13 weeks on top of that.

House Democratic leaders brought up the bill under a procedure that required a two-thirds vote for approval. The final vote was 279-144, just three votes shy of the margin needed for passage and to overcome a presidential veto.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said the Thursday vote will only need a majority for passage. ‘‘We’re not going to let this sink,’’ Hoyer told reporters after the vote.

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