Extension of Unemployment Benefits Advances

Senate Democrats on Wednesday cleared the way for final approval of additional unemployment pay for out-of-work Americans who are exhausting their standard benefits. The Senate voted 60 to 40 to exempt the legislation from budget challenges and Democrats said they hoped to finish the now $18 billion measure as early as Thursday night. Senator George Voinovich of Ohio was the sole Republican to break ranks, joining Democrats and providing the crucial 60th vote. Democrats failed in their first attempt to waive the budget rules, coming up one vote short since Senator Patrick J. Leahy, Democrat of Vermont, was away at a funeral. The Senate held the vote open Wednesday night to allow Mr. Leahy time to return and cast his vote.