This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/business/7243841.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Bush signs economic plan into law Bush signs economic plan into law
(38 minutes later)
President George W Bush has signed off the two-year bipartisan $167bn (£86bn) US economic stimulus plan.President George W Bush has signed off the two-year bipartisan $167bn (£86bn) US economic stimulus plan.
It aims to bolster the world's largest economy and avoid a recession, and will lead to millions of US homes getting tax rebates from May.It aims to bolster the world's largest economy and avoid a recession, and will lead to millions of US homes getting tax rebates from May.
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.
Mr Bush said the plan - passed by Congress last week - was a "booster shot" for the US economy.Mr Bush said the plan - passed by Congress last week - was a "booster shot" for the US economy.
We have come together on a single mission, and that is to put the people's interest first President BushWe have come together on a single mission, and that is to put the people's interest first President Bush
As well as the tax rebates, the package will see those on low incomes who do not pay income tax receive a $300 payout.As well as the tax rebates, the package will see those on low incomes who do not pay income tax receive a $300 payout.
The aim of the plan is to boost US consumer spending at a time when the continuing housing market slump has raised fears of a wider recession.The aim of the plan is to boost US consumer spending at a time when the continuing housing market slump has raised fears of a wider recession.
"We have come together on a single mission, and that is to put the people's interest first," said President Bush."We have come together on a single mission, and that is to put the people's interest first," said President Bush.
While the package was passed by a vote of 81-16 in the Senate and by 380 to 34 in the House of Representatives, some politicians have expressed concerns about what it will do the government's finances.While the package was passed by a vote of 81-16 in the Senate and by 380 to 34 in the House of Representatives, some politicians have expressed concerns about what it will do the government's finances.
"This package gets money into the hands of Americans struggling to make ends meet, helps families with children, cuts taxes for small businesses that will create new jobs and stimulates our slowing economy," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.