WASHINGTON-In a 293-132 vote, the U.S. House approved the Payroll Tax cut, it is now being sent to the Senate. The Senate need only approve it with 50 votes.

The bill will extend the 2%payroll tax cut to the end of the year, and also extend unemployment insurance through 2012. The unemployment benefits will be lowered to a limit of 73 weeks from its previous 99 weeks.

The shortening of the benefit period divided some in the Democratic party, as did the 2.3% increase that Federal employees who begin work after 2012 will need for their employee pension contribution. The Dems feel like the Federal worker was unfairly targetted with the bill. This requirement does not affect Federal employees already working however.

Opposition to the bill on the other side of the aisle zeroed in on GOP leadership, who advanced the bill that will cost around $90 Billion without any provision to pay for it.

The Senate vote on the bill is expected today. While Republicans in the House reluctantly voted to pass it, the Senate republicans are expected to vote against it. But, even without Republican backing, the bill is expected to move through the Senate to the desk of the President.

President Obama is expected to sign it, he championed for the bill and it would be a very welcome victory for the administration.