This vote was on the final passage of a bill that provided $143 billion in tax cuts, unemployment benefits, and other measures to help stimulate the economy and protect struggling U.S. workers.

As part of the economic stimulus bill passed in early 2009, U.S. workers received a tax cut and unemployed workers’ benefits were extended. Those benefits were set to expire in early 2012. But with the economic recovery still on weak footing, President Obama called on Congress to extend the tax cuts and unemployment benefits.

Republicans vowed to fight the extension of some of President Obama’s signature benefits, arguing they would do little to encourage economic activity. But with the deadline approaching and 160 million Americans set to receive a tax hike, Republicans relented and allowed the bill to move forward.

On a 293-132 vote, the House approved legislation preserving the tax cut for one year, saving the average American family about $1,000. The bill also extended unemployment benefits through the end of the year. Senate Roll Call 22 was a vote to agree to the House’s bill and send the legislation to President Obama for signature.

H.R. 3630, which extended unemployment benefits and preserved a tax cut for middle-class Americans, passed the Senate by a vote of 60-36. Voting “yea” were 46 Democrats, including a majority of progressives, and 14 Republicans. Voting “nay” were 30 Republicans and 6 Democrats. As a result, the bill was sent to President Obama, who signed it into law.