ProPublica: House vs. Senate Stimulus Bills

If all goes as expected today, the Senate will pass an $838 billion economic stimulus plan that follows a compromise reached over the weekend. But before the package can go to President Barack Obama's desk, the Senate will have to resolve differences with the House and its $819 billion version. Most predict a bruising battle that won't wrap up until week's end, in part because of fiery differences over tax cuts and spending on food stamps and education, a critical issue for Democrats who control the House.

So how do the two versions stack up? We've put together a chart so you can easily spot the differences.

Some highlights: The House version would spend $60 billion more on education. The Senate version adds more than $100 billion for tax cuts to individuals and families. The House would spend more to upgrade the country's electricity grid. The Senate would spend more on medical research. And there are plenty more.

The chart and other stories are part of ShovelWatch, our ongoing project with WNYC Radio of New York to track the stimulus package.

See the chart here...

Michael Grabell is a reporter for ProPublica, America's largest investigative newsroom.

- GBeer I'm a Fan of GBeer permalink

Republicans say that European socialism doesn't work. Maybe.
But it surely works a hell of a lot better than Reaganonsese.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:14 PM on 02/10/2009

- oafishcad I'm a Fan of oafishcad 44 fans permalink

Thanks for the chart. Facts are always better than talking heads blathering on incessantly.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:39 PM on 02/10/2009

- Peaceisnecessary I'm a Fan of Peaceisnecessary 12 fans permalink

This is great, but I would like to know what "Other" means. I wish they would put back the school construction and technology money. Technology is the vision for the future and in order for American children to compete they need to have the technology at their disposal. In addition, NASA is not as important as having insurance for the unemployed. How will NASA serve the unemployed when they are sick? We have to take care of the people on earth before worrying about other worlds.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:51 PM on 02/10/2009

- nicholasjh1 I'm a Fan of nicholasjh1 4 fans permalink

Hospitals have to treat emergency cases, so is insurance for the unemployed even applicable?

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:27 PM on 02/10/2009

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House vs. Senate Stimulus Bills

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