Goodwin provides 60th vote to block GOP delay tactic
(AP) - A bill to restore unemployment benefits to millions of Americans who have been out of work for more than 6 months has cleared a Senate hurdle. The 60-40 vote came moments after Carte Goodwin, a successor to West Virginia's Robert Byrd, was sworn in. Goodwin was the crucial 60th senator to defeat a Republican delaying tactic that has led to a lapse in benefits for 2.5 million Americans. After a final Senate vote, the House will take up the bill tomorrow. President Obama is likely to sign it into law by week's end. More»
