(Washington, DC)  --  Senators are finally moving toward extending unemployment benefits.

   The Senate cleared a procedural hurdle and is expected to vote soon to extend jobless benefits another 14 weeks.

   The move has been held up for weeks amid partisan squabbling, with Democrats accusing Republicans of purposefully delaying the legislation.

   The measure includes an extension of a popular, eight-thousand-dollar tax credit for first-time homebuyers.

   The tax credit is set to expire at month's end and would be extended for several months.

   The House voted previously to extend unemployment benefits.

   After expected passage in the Senate this week, differences in the two measures will have to be reconciled before President Obama can sign it.



   (Copyright 2009 by VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions)