Filibuster broken, jobless benefits may flow soon

By ANDREW TAYLOR Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate is poised to pass legislation restoring jobless benefits for millions of people unable to find work during the frail economic recovery.

Wednesday's vote is a formality after the Democratic-controlled Senate voted 60-40 Tuesday to move ahead on the bill. The measure will then go to the House for one final vote and on to President Barack Obama later this week.

Payments averaging $309 a week will resume for almost 5 million people whose 26 weeks of state benefits have run out. About half of those currently eligible have seen their benefits cut off since funding expired June 2.