CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- A bill that would extend unemployment benefits by 20 weeks is on its way to Gov. Joe Manchin.

The House of Delegates unanimously on Wednesday approved the bill, which tweaks state law to take advantage of federal stimulus money. Washington will pay for the entire extension.

Manchin convened a special session this week to ask lawmakers to pass that bill and a measure giving a $500 bonus to state employees.

Manchin says the unemployment bill is needed now because roughly 2,700 West Virginians looking for work have already exhausted their 59 weeks of benefits.

The House recessed before taking up the bonus measure, which was approved Wednesday by the lower chamber's Finance Committee.

The Senate approved both measures on Tuesday.