Senate and House Approve $787 Billion Stimulus Package

After the House rapidly passed the stimulus package 246 to 183, the Senate also passed the bill 60 to 38 with three Republicans voting with the Democratic majority.

WASHINGTON (Catholic Online) - The House of Representatives approved the combined stimulus package with a vote of 246 to 183 which moves it to the Senate for almost assured approval before it is sent to the President for signing.

Republicans were united in their opposition to the bill along with 7 Democrats.

Concerns from Republicans in both houses today focused upon the Democrat's eagerness to push the bill through even though no elected official could really read and study the 1,071 page, 8-inch-thick document.

In effect, they are arguing that no one can really know all of the allocations are going. The measure combines $281 billion in tax cuts for individuals and businesses along with more than a half-trillion dollars in government spending.

Friday evening the U.S. Senate joined in the House's endorsement of the bill, voting 60 to 38 in favor, with three Republicans, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, voting in favor of the bill.

Neither the House nor the Senate could succeed in making this a bi-partisan action.

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