WASHINGTON - On almost a straight party-line vote, the Senate today voted to approve an $838 billion bill designed to jumpstart the nation's sagging economy.
The vote was 61-37, with all Democrats voting for it along with three Republicans: Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania.
The bill contains funds for an array of programs and projects including school and road construction, additional funds for unemployment insurance and money to help those who are unemployed pay for health insurance.
The House passed a similar measure and representatives of both chambers will meet to iron out differences before each body votes on the final version.
President Obama has been pushing the bill hard, he held a town meeting in Ft, Myers, Florida this morning and one in Elkhart, Indiana yesterday and he spent part of his news conference last night extolling its virtues.
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