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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • Have you driven a Homer lately? 1/30/08   CONTACT THE HERALD Do you have a news tip? newstips@heraldnet.com | 425.339.3400   Published: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 Stimulus bill passes U.S. House Los Angeles Times WASHINGTON -- Less than a week after quickly crafting a rare bipartisan compromise, the House on Tuesday overwhelmingly passed a $150 billion economic stimulus package to send checks to millions of low- and middle-income Americans. But what shape the final legislation will take remains unclear as the Senate begins debate today on its own plan amid more signs of economic instability. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., will convene a meeting today to consider his version, which differs substantially from the House bill. And other senators are pushing a range of proposals that would augment the carefully crafted deal worked out last week by House leaders and the Bush administration. The issue may reach the Senate floor tonight. The House measure -- a mix of tax rebates, business incentives and relief for strapped mortgage-holders -- passed 385-35. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Tuesday he has received 15 letters from lawmakers proposing additions, including more spending on public works and more mortgage assistance. The relatively simple House measure relies primarily on tax rebates for many households and a package of temporary tax breaks to encourage businesses to expand and create more jobs this year. Single filers would get a $600 rebate that would begin phasing out for taxpayers earning more than $75,000. The phase-out for married couples, who would get $1,200 rebates and $300 per child, would start at $150,000. Workers with at least $3,000 in income who earned too little to pay taxes would receive $300, plus $300 per child. The House bill also includes a large one-year increase in the size of mortgages that can be backed by the government, making it easier for homeowners to refinance into more affordable mortgages. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Tuesday a majority of GOP senators would support the bill passed by the House. But many Democratic senators see the measure as inadequate. Baucus has proposed the most comprehensive alternative to the House bill. The Finance Committee chairman would make smaller rebates available to millions more taxpayers, including senior citizens living on Social Security who are not covered by the House bill. He has also proposed sending rebates to wealthy Americans who would not get checks under the House plan, upsetting some of his fellow Democrats. Many Americans would receive a $500 check under his plan. Baucus would also like to extend unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks, which House Democrats agreed to drop in their compromise with the Bush administration. How they voted Washington state's U.S. representatives voted for the stimulus package except Democratic Reps. Brian Baird and Adam Smith.

1. Crash victim warned his students against DUI 2. Medical examiner investigator arrives at crash scene, arrested on suspicion of DUI 3. Highway 9 crash is worst alcohol-related accident in Snohomish County in 14 years 4. Seattle patrolman kills suspected police killer; accomplices charged 5. Lynnwood swimmer turns therapy into competitive passion 6. Verizon landline sale advances 7. Man who killed daughter gets 13 years 8. Monroe home destroyed by fire 9. New police program aims to reduce prescription drug overdoses 10. Kamiak teacher in final 2 for CMT contest 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

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