The US House of Representatives has passed a compromise tax bill averting a New Year rise in income taxes for millions of Americans.
The deal forged by the White House and Republicans also extends benefit payments for some of the longer-term unemployed for 13 months.
The Senate passed the bill on Wednesday but its chances of passing the lower chamber had been seen as less certain.
Some Democrats have been angry about tax breaks for wealthy Americans.
However, President Barack Obama had said that a compromise was needed to win Republican support.
The $858bn (£542bn) package was passed by 277 votes to 148 in the House of Representatives. BBC News
