Twenty-seven days after they first passed an unemployment benefit extension, the U.S. House is returning to the issue today.

Following the passage of H.R. 3548 in the Senate last night, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) told reporters that he will schedule a vote on the more generous compromise forged in the Senate sometime today, which would grant 20 weeks of extra insurance to workers in high-unemployment states and 14 additional weeks everywhere else. One new point of contention is the carryback provision attached as an amendment to the bill, which allows all businesses to deduct income losses in five profitable years instead of two.  Progressive lawmakers view this an unnecessary giveaway to big business, but none are expected to peel off as a result.

Assuming that the House does pass the measure today, National Journal's Congress Daily reporter Daniel Friedman told C-SPAN viewers this morning that President Obama is "expected to sign it tomorrow."

As we post this, debate has started on the House floor.  We'll keep an eye out for the final roll call.

UPDATE (12:57 p.m.): The House is now holding a 15-minute vote on H.R. 3548.  We'll have the final roll call shortly.

UPDATE (1:20 p.m.): The House has passed the bill, with 403 members voting in favor and 12 Republicans voting nay. It's now off to the president's desk.  

UPDATE (2:30 p.m.): A statement from Rep. Phil Hare (D-IL):

“After unacceptable delaying by Senate Republicans, I am pleased that we are finally moving forward with strong unemployment insurance legislation,” Hare said. “People who lose their jobs through no fault of their own desperately need these benefits to hold onto their homes, pay bills, and keep food on the table.”

And from Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL):

“Many individuals in our district are desperately seeking jobs, but are having difficulty finding employment due to the recession,” said Foster.  “By extending unemployment benefits, we support families and also our local economy, as this money is often pumped back into area retailers to purchase necessities.”