Stimulus package passes Senate

An $838 billion economic stimulus package passed the Senate today by a vote of 61 to 37. Minnesota’s only senator, DFLer Amy Klobuchar, voted for the bill.

Congressional leaders will have to negotiate the Senate bill with an $820 billion stimulus bill passed by the House, a process leaders say should be completed by week’s end.

Minnesota’s delegation plans to lean on key decision-makers. Reps. Tim Walz, Collin Peterson and Michele Bachmann all told MinnPost.com that there are significant issues with both versions of the bill, and that changes will need to be made in negotiations.

All Democrats and independents voted for the measure, and three Republicans — Susan Collins and Olympia J. Snowe of Maine and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania — joined to push the bill over the 60-vote cloture threshold.