Common sense triumphed over politics when Democrats in the Senate were able to get unemployment benefits back for out-of-work Americans over Republican worries the measure would bloat the national debt.

The vote means Republicans can't delay the measure to give the unemployed benefits through May 5.

In this case, Republicans are making a legitimate point that without prior funding, extending unemployment benefits will likely add up to $9 billion to the national debt. Where their argument falls short, however, is coming up for a better solution on how to provide aid to families caught in the economic downtown.

Though Republicans were able to block the extension last month, moderate Republicans Susan Collins of Maine, Olympia Snowe also of Maine, Scott Brown of Massachusetts and George Voinovich of Ohio came to their senses and showed courage in breaking with party leaders to allow the extension of benefits.

More than 400,000 people who have had their unemployment benefits, which average about $355 per week, run out could reapply for additional weeks of aid.

The vote to extend benefits will allow time for the House and Senate to continue negotiations on a plan to provide benefits through 2010.