By JIM ABRAMS
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congress is sending the president legislation to expand a popular homebuyers tax credit and extend unemployment benefits.
With an overwhelming House vote, Congress has completed work on the $24 billion economic package that seeks both to propel a sluggish economic recovery and help out the millions who have lost jobs and have been unable to rejoin the workforce.
Under the measure, the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers would be extended for seven months and expanded with a $6,500 credit for some prospective homebuyers who already own homes.
The nearly 2 million people who have lost or are in danger of exhausting unemployment benefits before the end of the year would receive up to 20 weeks in additional benefits.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
