U.S. House approves more veteran, jobless benefits

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars would get expanded education benefits, while unemployment benefits for jobless Americans would be lengthened under legislation passed on Thursday by the House of Representatives.

Despite White House opposition, the Democratic-controlled House voted 256-166 with the help of several Republicans to give war veterans more help in getting a college education.

Many Republicans oppose the measure in part because the cost of the expanded benefits would be paid for with a 0.5 percent tax on individuals with gross incomes of more than $500,000 and couples with incomes above $1 million.

The measure also would extend jobless benefits for long-term unemployed people by up to 13 weeks nationally, with an additional 13 weeks in states with high unemployment.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by John O'Callaghan)