AP Sources: House GOP bill renews jobless benefit

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are drafting legislation to renew an expiring unemployment benefits program, officials said today, and intend to add it to a planned extension of a Social Security payroll tax cut due to run out Dec. 31.

The measure is expected on the House floor as early as next week, and marks the second sign in as many days that lawmakers in both parties are eager to close out the year with a compromise on key elements of President Barack Obama's jobs program.

Republican officials say the cost of the extension of both programs will be covered within the measure, making sure deficits don't rise as a result.

The officials who spoke did so on condition of anonymity to provide details in advance of a formal announcement.

With unemployment hovering around 9 percent nationally, Obama urged Congress in September to renew and expand the payroll tax cut he signed a year ago, and called as well for an extension of benefits that can cover up to 99 weeks for the long-term jobless.