Senators have reached a tentative deal on a version of President Obama's economic stimulus plan, including about $811 billion in spending and tax cuts, that will win enough Republican votes to move forward. Sens. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania and Susan Collins of Maine appeared to be the critical Republicans to sign onto the bill, giving Democrats the 60 votes needed to advance to a final vote. Democrats also voiced confidence that Republican Sen. Olympia Snow of Maine also would vote for the plan.
"It represents an effective, targeted approach to the economic crisis facing our country," Collins said Friday. "And even more important, it demonstrates to the American people that at a time of crisis we can work together" [to make things worse].
Don't be discouraged, conservatives. Keep pounding away. This one should be a no-brainer for every Republican—liberal, moderate or conservative. The spendulus bill is neither popular nor prudent. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that only 37% of voters favor the legislation; and the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has determined that the "stimulus" package will actually lead to a lower Gross Domestic Product over the next 10 years.
FYI:
Collins (202) 224-2523; ME office (207) 622-8414
Snowe (202) 224-5344; ME office (207) 622-8292
Specter (202) 224-4254; PA office (717) 782-3951
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Support for the Porkulus Bill has droped to 37%
