Stimulus package faces Senate procedural vote

Feb 9, 7:21 AM (ET)

WASHINGTON (AP) - The economic stimulus package is poised to move forward in the Senate today. The $827 billion package seems assured to clear a key procedural hurdle, but not by much. Just three Republicans are expected to join Democrats in supporting the package, barely giving it the 60 votes needed.

Most Republicans will vote no, unhappy not only at the pricetag, but also that they weren't more involved in putting the package together.

Final Senate approval will set the stage for what could be tough negotiations to iron out differences with the House over tax cuts and spending.

Republican congressional leaders and a key House Democrat are voicing misgivings - but for different reasons - over the Senate version of an economic recovery plan costing more than $800 billion.

Sen. John Ensign of Nevada and Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana, both members of Republican leadership teams, complain that the legislation has too much spending and not enough in tax cuts.

A top House Democrat, Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, says the Senate bill cuts spending necessary to protect the jobs of policemen and firefighters.

The Senate cut $40 billion in aid to state governments contained in a House version of the legislation.

The Senate is expected to pass its bill on Tuesday. It then has to be reconciled with the House version.

Ensign, Pence and Frank spoke on NBC's "Meet the Press."

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20090209/D96821M80.html