Those costs have soared with the increase in claims for jobless benefits across the country.

A separate report said initial claims for jobless benefits fell, but were still at high levels.

The number of new claims for jobless benefits rose by 10,000 last week - the first increase in three weeks.

A third report said that new claims for jobless benefits went up last week.

Ordinary jobless benefits, which average $170 per week and cover about half of all workers, are limited to 26 weeks in most states.

The number of first-time claims for jobless benefits dropped by 7,000 last week.

New claims for jobless benefits rose to their highest level since August.

Under the bill, states could require drug testing of people who applied for jobless benefits.

Claims for jobless benefits rose in the week ended Sept. 14.

At a minimum, the stimulus bill needs to help all Americans who need jobless and health benefits.