by Associated Press
Published: Mon, February 09, 2009 - 6:11 pm CST
Last Updated: Mon, February 09, 2009 - 6:16 pm CST
WASHINGTON (AP) - The economic stimulus bill backed by the WhiteHouse has survived a key test vote in the Senate.
The vote was 61-36, one more than the 60 needed to advance the
measure toward Senate passage tomorrow. Its cost is now put at $838
billion.
Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine and
Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania broke ranks to cast their votes to
advance the bill. All the 'no' votes came from Republicans.
Massachusetts Democrat Edward M. Kennedy, who is battling a
brain tumor, made his first appearance in the Capitol since
suffering a seizure on Inauguration Day.
After tomorrow's final Senate vote, a major hurdle remains
before the legislation gets to President Barack Obama's desk,
differences in House and Senate versions will have to be
negotiated,
The Senate calls for more tax cuts and less spending than the
House bill.
Both houses provide for tax breaks for home buyers, but the
Senate's provision is far more generous. The Senate bill also gives
a tax break to purchasers of new cars.
Florida Would Get More Help From House Version
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