Thousands of Americans who've been out of work for more than a year are expected to lose their unemployment checks this summer.

More than 100,000 people in six states and Washington, D.C. are expected to lose their extended benefits...which provided and addtional 13-20 weeks of payments to those already out of work for at least 60 weeks.

Congress mandated the reductions this year.

Economists says the cutbacks will lower the unemployment rate but hurt consumer spending.