WASHINGTON, D.C. (WIBQ)-Unemployment payments would be extended to the end of the year under a measure approved Wednesday by the U.S. Senate.

The measure now goes to the House. The legislation also extends COBRA health insurance benefits for some unemployed workers.

GOP critics opposed the measure on concerns about adding to the federal deficit. Later this week, the Senate is expected to approve a 15-billion-dollar jobs stimulus bill that was modified by the House.