so people are looking for a job. they're desperate for a job. >> reporter: average weekly unemployment benefits range from hawaii's $419 a week to mississippi, at $190 a week. in new york, leslie pink's weekly check is just over $400. >> i paid my taxes, i've done everything a responsible citizen is supposed to do, and they're going to cut me off, and they bailed the banks out. it's infuriating to me. >> reporter: the next step comes with the senate where many republicans say they would have voted for the $30 billion vote if democrats came up with ways to offset the costs. lawmakers are taking a week-long break. by the time they reconvene, it's estimated that 2 million americans will have lost their jobless benefits. mary snow, cnn, new york. >> so i have a lot of questions about this economy and how it's impacting you, your life, your family. i want to hear from you. what are your questions, what are your frustrations with the current state of the economy? if you would, share your stories with me. cnn.com/tony. taliban militants launch a