 |
 |
Feb 6, 2009
US Congress Adjourns Without Stimulus Package Deal
As of this writing, the economic stimulus package of more than $US900 billion has not passed the US Senate.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid declared at the closing hours of Thursday, "I'm optimistic we can get something done tomorrow. I would hope that we can complete this legislation tomorrow. I have hopes and I'm cautiously optimistic that we can do that. Everyone's going to have to give a little."
Reid cited behind-the-scenes talks among a group of senators from both parties spotting ways to lessen the overall cost of the stimulus package to win over the Republicans who argue that the bill contains too many questionable projects that will not generate the number of jobs publicized by Democrats, and that it should include more tax breaks and less direct expenses.
"I know that everyone's trying in good faith to move this ball down the court, but I think we need tonight and some time tomorrow to see if we can do that," he remarked.
Reid also gave out a warning that if "we find tomorrow that we're spinning our wheels," he would call upon a parliamentary procedure to discontinue the debate. Should this happen, a vote on the stimulus package could be set on Saturday or Sunday.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid declared at the closing hours of Thursday, "I'm optimistic we can get something done tomorrow. I would hope that we can complete this legislation tomorrow. I have hopes and I'm cautiously optimistic that we can do that. Everyone's going to have to give a little."
Reid cited behind-the-scenes talks among a group of senators from both parties spotting ways to lessen the overall cost of the stimulus package to win over the Republicans who argue that the bill contains too many questionable projects that will not generate the number of jobs publicized by Democrats, and that it should include more tax breaks and less direct expenses.
"I know that everyone's trying in good faith to move this ball down the court, but I think we need tonight and some time tomorrow to see if we can do that," he remarked.
Reid also gave out a warning that if "we find tomorrow that we're spinning our wheels," he would call upon a parliamentary procedure to discontinue the debate. Should this happen, a vote on the stimulus package could be set on Saturday or Sunday.