House Passes Unemployment Aid Extension

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to extend unemployment benefits an extra 13 weeks past the standard 26 weeks in a 274 to 137 vote. The minimum number of in-favor votes was attained just a day after the measure was rejected. The measure was approved despite the White House threatening a veto.  The measure extends an estimated 4 million American's benefits, which provides $300 to each unemployed individual a week. 

The measure will cost the government $10 billion, but considering the positive impact it will have on unemployed people's lives, the money will be well spent. Is it not a government's responsibility to assist its citizen and help them improve their lives?  

(Article originally published by The New York Times.)