After stalling in the afternoon, the U.S. House voted just after midnight Friday to extend tax cuts initially backed by George W. Bush in 2001 and 2003 for all Americans. The bill, which also extends jobless benefits, now moves to President Barack Obama’s desk.

Despite opposition from a handful from each party, the U.S. Senate voted Wednesday on a tax deal that extends tax cuts initially backed by George W. Bush for all Americans. The measure passed 81 to 19 with both of Florida’s senators -- Democrat Bill Nelson and Republican George LeMieux -- voting in favor. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced Friday that the unemployment rate rose to 9.8 percent for November, an increase from October’s 9.6 percent figure -- and congressional Republicans have opened fire on the Obama team.

While negotiations continued to extend all tax cuts supported by President George W. Bush in 2001 and 2003, the U.S. House extended some of those cuts Thursday. The measure passed with 234 votes, 188 congressmen opposing it.

Small-business issues have taken center stage in U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s bid for re-election to Congress.

President Barack Obama defended his administration’s handling of the economy on Friday and took aim at Republicans for standing in the way -- prompting return fire from the newest Republican star in the Sunshine State.