Bill should be on Obama’s desk by the weekend: President Barack Obama’s massive, $790 billion economic stimulus plan is on track for a vote in the House today, Democratic leaders say, after a 24-hour delay caused by late, lingering controversy. The Senate could vote on the package of spending and tax cuts later in the day or over the weekend, sending the measure to Obama’s desk and awarding him a crucial victory. He says the measure will create or save 3.5 million jobs, while critics contend the bill is filled with wasteful spending and provisions that won’t boost the economy. A day after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., announced an agreement had been reached between the White House and congressional negotiators, the measure still had not been revealed in full late Thursday. After a disagreement over school construction funds had been resolved, causing several hours of delay, it took hours for staff aides to read the huge bill line by line to make sure no mistakes were made.
Developing Republican policy: U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy of Baton Rouge has been named to the House Republican committee that develops policy for the party. The House Republican Policy Committee is comprised of elected and appointed members of the Republican leadership and ranking members of the appropriations, budget and other key committees.
In business with St. Elizabeth: Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center held the official opening for its new 12,000-square-foot Gonzales care center. The treatment facility, a partnership with St. Elizabeth Hospital, will provide state-of-the-art treatment to patients in Ascension Parish and nearby.
