After multiple delays and finger pointing from politicians, the unemployment extension for 2012 has finally passed.

House Speaker John Boehner said “Senator Reid and I have reached an agreement,” according to a tweet from NBC News’ Kristen Welker.

Boehner was the last stumbling block that prevented the passage of the two-month extension negotiated by Senate and endorsed by President Obama.

He initially rejected the measure, complained that it was too short-term and demanded that the Senate negotiate a year-long deal.

In response to Boehner’s rejection, Senate Republican (Minority) leader Mitch McConnell proposed a compromise: have the House pass the Senate’s two-month extension in exchange for the Senate promising to immediately begin negotiating a one-year deal.

Boehner and Senate Democratic (Majority) Leader Harry Reid seems to have accepted McConnell’s suggestion.

I look forward to appointing members of my caucus to continue negotiations towards a year-long agreement, said Reid, according to a tweet from NBC News' Shawna Thomas.

The deal means current recipients of unemployment benefits – including those nearing their maximum weeks (as much as 99 weeks) – will continue to receive them in January and February 2012.

Unemployment