For every one job opening in the national labor market, new data released today from the Labor Department shows that there are 6.1 unemployed workers available to fill it. The stat underscores the importance of federal action to support the unemployed.

This week, the Senate is expected to take up its "jobs bill." There is still disagreement within the body about if and how to extend unemployment benefits.  According to the Washington Post, moderate Democrats favor extending the benefits temporarily while the liberal bloc wants the extension to last through the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Republicans might balk on any insurance proposal so long as its included in a larger jobs package. This would force the Democratic leadership to consider the bill separately.