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ALBANY, GA --
Congress passed a payroll tax cut extension on Friday which will affect over 100 million workers and help provide jobless benefits for many more.    

The House and Senate approved the $143 billion measure within minutes of each other, sending it to President Obama’s desk.

Local Congressman Sanford Bishop says the vote could not have come too soon.

“I think that it's overdue. I'm delighted that we were able to save taxes for 160 million Americans. The average family would save $1,000 in the year and so we're glad for that,” says Bishop.

The measure also ensures millions of seniors on Medicare will continue to have access to their doctors.