What's at stake in the battle over US unemployment benefits in Congress?

Enhanced unemployment benefits that the US Congress authorised early in the coronavirus pandemic are due to expire at the end of July and thus far lawmakers have been unable to agree on a measure to extend them.

Economists warn that could make it harder for jobless people to cover their expenses, potentially slowing the economic recovery.

WHAT IS UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE?

Unemployment benefits to help laid-off Americans cover their bills as they look for work. They typically cover only a fraction of a worker's prior earnings.

Benefits are administered at the state level and can vary widely. The average weekly payment