1.3 million unemployed won’t get benefits restored after Senate fails to overcome filibuster

1.3 million unemployed won’t get benefits restored

WASHINGTON — More than 1.3 million laid-off workers won’t get their unemployment benefits reinstated before Congress goes on a weeklong vacation for Independence Day.

An additional 200,000 people who have been without a job for at least six months stand to lose their benefits each week, unless Congress acts.

For the third time in as many weeks, Republicans in the Senate successfully filibustered a bill Wednesday night that would continue providing unemployment checks to people who been laid off for long stretches.

The House is slated to vote on a similar measure Thursday, though the Senate’s action renders the vote a futile gesture as Congress prepares to depart Washington for its holiday recess.