House Approves Economic Stimulus Bill

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Democratic-controlled House has approved
an $819 billion economic stimulus package critical to President
Barack Obama's plan to revive the economy.
The House vote came after days of intense lobbying by the new
president, including personal appeals to congressional Republicans.
GOP lawmakers spurned Obama, saying the bill contains too much
spending and not enough tax cuts.
Democrats argued that the bill was imperative with the economy
in the worst shape since the Depression.
The legislation includes an estimated $544 in federal spending
and $275 billion in tax cuts for individuals and businesses. It
includes money for highway construction and mass transit.
The Senate is working on a costlier version of the bill.


(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)