by Calculated Risk on 11/05/2009 03:26:00 PM

Apparently to reduce the sting from the [un]employment report ...

From CNNMoney: Congress approves more benefits for jobless

The closely watched legislation would extend jobless benefits in all states by 14 weeks. Those that live in states with unemployment greater than 8.5% would receive an additional six weeks. ... The measure would apply to those whose benefits run out by Dec. 31, which is nearly two million people, according to Senate estimates. Those whose checks have already stopped would be able to reapply for another round.

There probably will be another bill for those who exhaust their benefits after the end of the year.

President Obama will apparently sign the bill into law Friday morning ...