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Senate approves US economy plan Congress approves US economy plan
(about 2 hours later)
The US Senate has passed a $167bn economic stimulus plan aimed at helping to bolster the world's largest economy and avoid a recession. The US Congress has passed a $167bn economic stimulus plan aimed at helping to bolster the world's largest economy and avoid a recession.
The package includes one-off rebates of up to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for couples plus $300 for each child.The package includes one-off rebates of up to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for couples plus $300 for each child.
Senators voted to approve measures after a week of manoeuvring that saw agreements to provide extra money to retired people and the elderly. The Senate voted to approve measures after a week of manoeuvring that saw agreements to provide extra money to retired people and the elderly.
House of Representative approval for the bill is expected imminently. The House of Representatives followed suit a few hours later.
Fast action is needed, politicians say, to limit the damaging effect on the economy that the credit crunch and housing market woes are having. Fast action was needed, politicians said, to limit the damaging effect on the economy that the credit crunch and housing market woes are having.
President George W Bush welcomed the passing of the bill and said it would help stimulate consumer spending.
'Direction change''Direction change'
As well as the tax rebates, those on low incomes, who do not pay income tax, would receive a $300 payout, senators agreed. As well as the tax rebates, those on low incomes, who do not pay income tax, would receive a $300 payout, Congress agreed.
The new measures were passed in a vote by 81-16, but only after Democrats dropped calls for more unemployment benefits, assistance with fuel bills and plans to offer certain industries tax breaks. The new measures were passed in a vote by 81-16 in the Senate, but only after Democrats dropped calls for more unemployment benefits, assistance with fuel bills and plans to offer certain industries tax breaks.
The package passed in the House by 380 to 34.
The approved package would "change the economic direction of this country", said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat.The approved package would "change the economic direction of this country", said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat.
However, some politicians are worried about the damage the plan will do to government finances - potentially doubling last year's budget deficit.However, some politicians are worried about the damage the plan will do to government finances - potentially doubling last year's budget deficit.
"We have to remember that every dollar being spent on the stimulus package is being borrowed from our children and our children's children," said Republican Senator Judd Gregg, who voted against the bill."We have to remember that every dollar being spent on the stimulus package is being borrowed from our children and our children's children," said Republican Senator Judd Gregg, who voted against the bill.