Editors' note: As the congressional and legislative sessions gear up, PolitickerME.com will begin tracking roll call votes in both bodies.

 The U.S. Senate voted to stop debate on the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008. The motion passed 89 to 6.

Both U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Bangor) and Olympia Snowe (R-Falmouth) voted for the motion.

The act then passed in the Senate by consensus.

Snowe released a statement in support of the bill.

"I have advocated for an extension of this critical resource that now, with more than 4 million Americans out of work and national unemployment at a 14 -year high, is needed more than ever. These benefits will help those out of work search for new employment while paying their bills and feeding their families.  As unemployment continues to rise as predicted, Congress will undoubtedly need to do more and extend unemployment beyond seven weeks to assist our fellow Americans during these challenging economic times."