RENEE MONTAGNE, host: Today in the House of Representatives, Democrats will try again to pass a measure that would offer an extra cushion for out-of-work Americans. Yesterday, a plan to fast track extended unemployment benefits failed. NPR's Debbie Elliott reports.</s>DEBBIE ELLIOTT: House Democrats pointed to the nation's growing economic woes and rising unemployment rate as they made their case for extending jobless benefits.</s>Representative CHARLIE RANGEL (Democrat, New York): At some point when we get home, somebody's going to ask us how did we vote.</s>DEBBIE ELLIOTT: House Weighs and Means Committee Chairman Charlie Rangel.</s>Rep. Rangel: And as they put together their budgets and try to figure out the rent and the mortgages situation, the gas prices, I just hope that you perfect the arguments, those of you that oppose this bill, in such a way that you expect they would understand what they heck you're talking about.</s>Unidentified Man: Gentleman's time has expired.</s>DEBBIE ELLIOTT: The bill would extend the usual six-month unemployment payments by 13 weeks, 26 in the hardest hit states. The White House and Republican leaders objected to the nationwide approach.</s>DEBBIE ELLIOTT: House minority leader John Boehner.</s>Representative JOHN BOEHNER (Republican, Ohio; House Minority Leader): If we're going to be serious about spending tax payer money, we ought to target that money to those areas where we have high unemployment and where people need our help.</s>DEBBIE ELLIOTT: Democrats were three votes shy of the two-thirds majority needed. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer called it a sad vote and vowed to try again.</s>Representative STENY HOYER (Democrat, Maryland; House Majority Leader): We're not going to let this stand. It is not in good conscience the proper policy for us to walk away from taking this action.</s>DEBBIE ELLIOTT: Hoyer expects the benefit extension to pass under regular House rules today.</s>DEBBIE ELLIOTT: Debbie Elliott, NPR News, the Capitol.
With the unemployment rate rising to 5.5 percent in May, Congress tried to pass a bill extending unemployment benefits Wednesday. But the measure failed under expedited procedures. Democratic leaders say they will try again Thursday under regular rules.