House OKs extension of unemployment benefits

The U.S. House of Representatives approved another extension of unemployment benefits on Friday. But this widening of the safety net could be the last as lawmakers grow uneasy over the costs of what is looking to some like an unfunded welfare benefit.

In a 215-204 vote, House members approved extending benefits through Nov. 30, which would help nearly 350,000 long-term unemployed people nationwide from falling off the unemployment rolls by next month.

But the measure still must be approved by the Senate, which has already left for a weeklong Memorial Day break. That means some workers' benefits will expire May 31, although they could be restored retroactively.

The last time benefits were extended, in April, delays in Congress caused gaps in checks for the unemployed. The delays are leaving states such as California scrambling to keep up with the latest changes and extensions in the law.

Hmmmm, untill just after the elections. That's quite the coinkydink.