(AP) - The Republican plan to eliminate more quickly the $2.6 billion North Carolina owes the federal government for unemployment benefits is getting closer to Gov. Pat McCrory's desk and his likely signature.
    
The full Senate was expected to debate and conduct Tuesday the first of two required votes on the unemployment insurance system overhaul that's already passed the House. The measure would require higher taxes on businesses but also cut maximum weekly benefits for the future unemployed by one-third.
    
Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Seth Harris says the measure also would mean 170,000 people would lose out on $780 million in federal extended emergency benefits starting July 1.
    
GOP Sen. Bob Rucho said Harris' comments leave out that delaying the bill until next year would cost businesses another $400 million in taxes.