Digital News Report- The United States Congress has passed the $787 billion stimulus package that is aimed at boosting the weakened economy. The Senate, with a margin of 60-38 passed the bill, with the minimum number of votes required. The House of Representatives passed it with a 246-183 margin. President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law on February 17th.
President Obama called the passage of the bill as, “a major milestone on our road to recovery.” Over $48 billion has been reserved for transportation projects and 34% of it is devoted to tax cuts.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid stated, “We’re so fortunate we were able to get it passed. It’s going to give this country a shot in the arm.” Other supporters of the measure have stated that they believe it will save or create 3.5 million jobs and benefit 95% of Americans.
However, the bill has many critics. House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio said, “The bill that was about jobs, jobs, jobs has turned into a bill that’s about spending, spending, spending.”