Senate Delays Action on Its $157 Billion Stimulus Bill

Democratic Senate leaders, from left, Charles Schumer, Harry Reid, Richard Durbin and Patty Murray, speak with reporters about their economic stimulus plan, which is more costly than the House version. (By Melina Mara -- The Washington Post)
Buy Photo

"The Senate is not going to just be a rubber stamp and ratify what the House has done," said Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.).

House leadership aides appeared to accept that their carefully crafted compromise is likely to change. "We hope for quick action that expedites the completion of the bill so we can send out recovery rebates as soon as possible," said Brendan Daly, a spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

But Pelosi and House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) conceded yesterday that one change will be necessary. A conservative storm brewing over charges that the House bill would allow illegal immigrants to claim tax rebates prompted the leaders to issue a joint statement promising further legislation to tighten access to the payments.

Supporters of the Senate bill said their plan already takes care of the problem. Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) lashed out at his House Republican colleagues, saying that they had repeatedly excoriated Democrats for allegedly allowing illegal immigrants access to their initiatives. Now, he said, they are tasting their own medicine.

It was clear today that a process that elicited bipartisan harmony in the House was showering the Senate with partisan sparks. Republicans accused Democrats of slowing down Americans' expected tax checks by larding the bill with pet programs. Republicans singled out a $5.5 billion package of energy tax credits, and especially a $200 million provision to pay interest to coal companies for excise taxes that were illegally collected on exports.

"As soon as it came to the Senate, it started to look like Christmas," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). "You could almost hear Bing Crosby's voice."

Democrats relished the opportunity to pit Republicans against retirees and disabled veterans.

"No one can question their sacrifice. No one can question their contribution. And no one can question that they have earned their right to participate in this rebate program every bit as much as any other American," said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.).