(AP) -- The House has rejected an extension of unemployment benefits because of concerns about the growing national debt, meaning payments will continue to phase out for more than 200,000 people a week.

The last extension expired at the end of May. House Democrats said more than 1 million people who have been laid off for long stretches have already lost benefits.

The bill would have extended benefits through the end of November, at a cost of $33.9 billion.

Democrats brought up the bill under a special procedure in which no amendments were allowed and debate was limited. Under the procedure, the bill needed a two-thirds majority to pass.

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