They expect a backlash against Republican senators who, for a second time in March, are blocking a quick extension to U. S. jobless benefits, Democrats have said.

Last week Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., blocked Democratic efforts to vote on another month's extension of jobless benefits at a cost of $9.2 billion. Without the extension, benefits will expire April 5.

The Hill has reported that Democrats said the deadline would pass without a vote because Congress is scheduled to be out of session until April 12.

Democrats further said that Coburn's blocking passage means Republicans will bear the brunt of criticism for benefit checks being interrupted.

A quick vote was objected to by Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., on a $10 billion, month long extension earlier in March, only to back off under Democratic criticism. The measure enjoyed bipartisan support when it passed and was sent to President Barack Obama's signature.

Republicans object because the measure isn't paid for, adding to the federal deficit. Democrats say the unemployment benefits extension falls under the category of emergency spending so it doesn't meet the pay-as-you-go requirements.

Coburn said, "The American people recognize it's time -- I'm not sure that Congress does -- that we start making difficult choices."

He was surprised Coburn threw up the roadblock, Democratic Rep. John Yarmuth of Kentucky said.

Yarmuth further added, "Having seen first-hand the embarrassment Jim Bunning brought to Kentucky when he committed a similar disservice to the American people, I'm surprised Sen. Coburn would think it wise to single-handedly stand between American families and the resources they need to make ends meet." (With Inputs from Agencies)