UPDATE: Unemployment gets temporary extension

WASHINGTON D.C. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - An unemployment extension is now a done deal.

The Senate voted Tuesday night to pass a one month extension which will provide unemployment benefits as well as health care coverage through Cobra.

The House already passed the extension and President Obama signed it Tuesday night.

Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning had been the lone voice against the extension. He had been keeping it from going through. He gave in Tuesday night.

Bunning opposed the plan because he says it will add $10-billion to the deficit.

Other senators say the deficit is a debate for another time.

"I think we're in an emergency situation in our economy. I've met with these unemployed people in my state and other states, these are desperate people - some have been out of work for two years, they may lose everything before it's over and I hope they don't," said Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois.

If you are one of those whose benefits ran out this week- there is more good news- officials at Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency say you should not have to do anything in order to get the new extension and you should not see a gap in your benefits either.

A spokesman for the agency says to continue calling MARVIN as you normally would and to look out for any letters that may come explaining what to do next.

Tuesday night's vote also provides funding for the Transportation Department which had to furlough 2,000 workers when that money ran out.

Lawmakers now plan to look at a long-term unemployment extension, possibly through the end of the year.

Newschannel 3 is going to be following this closely. We'll bring you any new information that comes in.