Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman said the Senate has finally approved an extension of unemployment insurance (UI).  The measure must go back to the House of Representatives for approval before it can be sent to the president for signature.

The temporary extension lasts through Nov. 30.

"It's unfortunate it took so long for the Senate to round up enough votes to extend unemployment insurance for Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own.  But with this vote, we are finally on the verge of giving relief to thousands of New Mexicans who need help making ends meet as they seek new employment," Bingaman said.

New Mexicans receive about $295 per week in UI.  It's estimated that between 5,400 and 8,000 New Mexicans could benefit from this extension.