Source: Neil Irwin, Dina ElBoghdady,& Perry Bacon Jr. Washington Post ( Free Registration )

Congress gave final approval Thursday for an additional $24 billion to help the jobless and support the housing market as climbing unemployment poses a growing liability for elected officials.

The bill, passed overwhelmingly by the House and headed to President Obama for his signature Friday, extends unemployment insurance benefits that were due to expire and renews an $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, while also expanding it to cover many other home purchases.

The Senate passed the measure unanimously Wednesday, reflecting the unwillingness to be seen as opposing measures to stimulate growth even among Republicans who are skeptical of greater government spending.

Read Full Article: House votes for jobless benefits, home buyers’ credit