WASHINGTON — Congress has approved legislation to restore unemployment insurance to people who have been out of work for six months or more, ending a seven-week interruption that caused 2 1/2 million people to lose benefits averaging about $300 a week.
The 272-152 House vote sends the measure to President Barack Obama, who has promised to immediately sign it.
In Arkansas' delegation, Reps. Vic Snyder and Mike Ross voted for the bill, while Reps. Marion Berry and John Boozman voted against.
The tally came less than 24 hours after a mostly party-line Senate vote Wednesday on the measure.
Retroactive payments could go out as early as next week in some states, while in others it could take a few weeks for beneficiaries to receive their money under the legislation.
Interactive
Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
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