Senate Nears Vote on Stimulus Bill

Democrats Target Tuesday for $827 Billion Plan, but Differences With House Remain

By GREG HITT
Wall Street Journal

WASHINGTON -- Senate Democrats are confident they can push for a final vote on a revamped, $827 billion economic-stimulus package early this week, setting the stage for fresh battles as Democratic congressional leaders and the White House try to meld competing House and Senate bills.

After cutting deals Friday with three moderate Republicans to pare the cost of the package, Senate Democrats, who control the chamber with a 58-41 majority, are confident of attracting the 60 votes needed to close off debate Monday. If approved as expected, the package would go to a vote Tuesday.

The New Senate Plan

The compromise reached by Democratic leaders with moderate Republicans involves cuts to spending and tax-credit provisions in the stimulus bill before the Senate, including:

* Funding to computerize health records
* National study on the comparative effectiveness of health treatments
* A tax break for solar and wind firms
* Medicaid payments to states
* A $500 payroll tax credit for people earning less than $75,000
* An expansion of tax credits for low-income workers with children

Conservative Republican senators sustained their attacks on the compromise plan during an unusual Saturday session, despite President Barack Obama's calls for speedy action in the face of mounting job losses. A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) said Mr. Reid "remains confident that there will be votes on Tuesday to pass this urgently needed piece of legislation."

(More here.)