[img]http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100302/capt.e56345a4fd844eef9e8880eb5b201a12.aptopix_budget_impasse_dchh112.jpg?x=130&y=86&q=85&sig=2gNLHCYwSPwNVViErRqkqg--[/img]AP - With a Senate impasse causing federal furloughs and threatening the unemployment benefits of thousands, the top Republican on Tuesday predicted quick passage of a stopgap measure to extend help for the unemployed and keep federal highway dollars flowing.