House, Senate at odds on stimulus plans

CAPITOL HILL (AP) — There appears to be a lapse on Capitol Hill in the bipartisan support that sped an economic stimulus plan through the House.

Senate Democrats say they are going to force votes next week on adding rebates for senior citizens and disabled veterans and heating aid for the poor to the House-approved plan.

The decision sets the stage for a contentious fight between Republicans who are balking at adding to the bill and Democrats who believe it should be larger.

Under Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s plan, the Senate could vote as early as Monday on a bill that would tack $32 billion onto the House measure with rebates of $500-$1,000 to all
but the richest taxpayers, with more for families with children.

Reid says the measure is still on track to be completed by February 15.