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 Obamaâs desk, the Senate will have to resolve differences with the House and its $819 billion version. Most predict a bruising battle that wonât wrap up until weekâs 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? Weâve 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 countryâs 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.
