The US House overwhelmingly passed a 146 billion US dollar aid
package Tuesday that would speed rebates of 600-1,200 dollars to
most taxpayers, sending a stimulus package to the Senate with a
bipartisan appeal to senators not to slow the bill with significant
changes.
The plan, approved 385-35 after little debate, would send at
least some rebate to anyone with at least 3,000 dollars in income,
with more going to families with children and less going to
wealthier taxpayers.
It faced a murky future in the Senate, though, where Democrats
and some Republicans backed a larger package that adds billions of
dollars for senior citizens and the unemployed, and shrinks the
rebate to 500 dollars for individuals and 1,000 dollars for
couples. That plan, written by Finance Committee Chairman Max
Baucus, would deliver checks even to the richest taxpayers, who are
disqualified under the House-passed measure.
Both versions would provide tax breaks to businesses to spur
equipment and other purchases.
President George Bush and House leaders urged the Senate to take
the bipartisan agreement and pass it quickly, even as Max Baucus,
D-Mont., planned a Wednesday vote in his committee on a larger
package that could face a slower path.
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(Xinhua News Agency January 30, 2008)
