(NEWSER) – Millions of Americans may be dreading New Year's Day—because that's when their unemployment benefits are scheduled to expire, reports the Wall Street Journal. Some economists dread it too, saying the federally backed emergency payments help the economy and put food on the table for 2.1 million Americans. With unemployment at 7.9% nationwide, Congress could extend the payments as it has before—but Republicans oppose an extension in the battle over the "fiscal cliff."
