Putting aside the economic reality facing thousands of their constituents, eight Republican U.S. senators voted this week against the 30-day extension of unemployment benefits for Americans still looking for work. The legislation was held up primarily by one man—Senator Jim Bunning (R-Kentucky), who filibustered the extension because he said it would add to the nation’s already enormous debt. But after enduring considerable criticism from Democrats, and even some Republicans, Bunning relented and allowed the bill to come up for a vote. The Senate approved the measure 78-19.