House passes Obama’s economic stimulus bill

Handing the new administration a big win, the House today passed President Barack Obama’s $787 billion plan to resuscitate the economy. The bill was passed 246-183 with no Republican help. It now goes to the Senate, where a vote was possible late today to meet a deadline of passing the plan before a recess begins next week. U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon of Napoleonville was the only member of Louisiana’s House delegation to vote for the bill. All but seven Democrats voted for the bill—a 1,071-page, 8-inch-thick measure that combines $281 billion in tax cuts for individuals and businesses with more than a half-trillion dollars in government spending. The money would go for infrastructure, health care and help for cash-starved state governments, among scores of programs. Seniors would get a $250 bonus Social Security check. Told that no Republican backed the measure, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs reacted by citing another number: “3.5 million jobs that we look forward to saving or creating.” Republicans said the package wouldn’t work because it has too little in tax cuts and spreads too much money around to everyday projects like computer upgrades for federal agencies. “It would be as if a patient came to me with heart trouble, and I treat her for a broken leg,” says U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy of Baton Rouge, who voted against the bill.