Dems scale back bill to woo votes for jobless aid

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Democrats are struggling to extend jobless benefits before they go on vacation next week.

Some lawmakers are concerned they'll be hammered over deficit spending even though the money is for the unemployed.

House leaders hope to vote Thursday on a bill that would extend the benefits through November, but they are running into opposition from Republicans and some Democrats concerned about the cost of the overall bill.

Democratic leaders have cut the cost of the legislation by more than $50 billion - to about $140 billion - in an attempt to pick up votes. The bill would add about $84 billion to the budget deficit.

The benefits are among the unfinished business lawmakers hope to complete before their Memorial Day recess.