WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republicans in the Senate have blocked a plan by Democrats to pump $56 billion in government spending [ed. yes a bailout is spending too] into the economy through public works projects, help for the jobless and money for states struggling with their Medicaid bills.
The 52-42 tally fell well short of the 60 votes needed to defeat a GOP fillibuster. The White House promised a veto anyway, saying the measure would not work and would cost too much.[ed. unlike a bailout of rich Wall Street guys]

The failed measure would have followed up on a bipartisan plan [ed. wha? huh? you mean the republicans said it was ok back then???] enacted this winter to try to boost the economy through tax rebate checks. With the economy still sagging, Democrats have long pressed for a follow-up plan to extend unemployment benefits, boost food stamp payments and build infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, water and sewer projects and school repairs.

- posted by Cynthia @ 4:44 PM | | | Link |