Senators near deal on stimulus

J. Taylor Rushing

The Hill

Senate leaders said they are nearing an agreement Thursday that would add
seniors, disabled veterans and their widows to those receiving rebates in
the House-passed economic stimulus package.

An impending deal would break the stalemate that came when Republicans
narrowly defeated a broader Democratic bill on Wednesday that included a
13-week extension of unemployment benefits, $1 billion for low-income
heating assistance and $5.5 billion in renewable energy credits.
Lead Democratic and Republican negotiators predicted that the chamber could
amend the House bill as early as Thursday. The House passed the measure two
weeks ago after careful negotiations with the White House.