It has been reported that Senate Democrats overcame a Republican filibuster 61-38 Wednesday to move forward a $26.1 billion package of aid to U.S. states.

The Los Angeles Times has reported that the funding will keep nearly 140,000 teachers on the job across the country and provide ongoing extra funding for healthcare to poor families during the recession.

The Times also said that with two Republicans voting for the legislation, the measure is headed toward a final vote this week.

The Hill also reported that speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said on Wednesday the House will return to Washington next week to act on the measure. Pelosi made the announcement via Twitter.

Pelosi said, "I will be calling the House back into session early next week to save teachers' jobs and help seniors & children."

The Times further reported that Governors from nearly every state had asked for the extra Medicaid funds that many legislatures had already voted for in their budgets. Altogether, the states face a $12 billion deficit if the funding is not eventually approved.

According to the newspaper, teachers also fought for the legislation to save jobs from fall layoffs.

The Times also said that the bill was fully paid for by cuts in the federal budget and by closing tax loopholes and cutting spending on food stamps, but Republicans contended the federal government should not be rescuing the states.

Congressional Republicans contend the bill is a payback to teachers' unions for supporting Democrats.

It has further been reported that the bill advances as the Senate is racing the clock with a full agenda in the final days before the August recess and is headed toward a final vote this week. (With Inputs from Agencies)