The U.S. House passed a watered-down version of its economic recovery package earlier this afternoon, agreeing to extend the filing deadline for unemployment benefits through November. The measure squeaked through by a 215-204 margin, with the entire Illinois Republican delegation and Democratic Rep. Melissa Bean voting in opposition

Because of Republican procedural tactics require 60 votes and at least four days of "debate," the Senate couldn't take up the bill before it went into recess this afternoon. Unfortunately, the current filing deadline also expires on June 2. While Senate Democrats hope to restore benefits retroactively, about 200,000 people per week will begin to exhaust their insurance after the holiday weekend.