As members of both chambers of the Florida Legislature struggled to cut an already lean budget Wednesday, the U.S. Senate passed a measure that extends unemployment benefits and, more important to the state government, provides extra funds to the states for Medicaid.

The measure passed the U.S. Senate 62-36. Fifty-six Democrats and 6 Republicans supported the legislation.

Florida Sen. Bill Nelson voted for the measure; Sen. George LeMieux, against it.