A $168 billion economic stimulus package is on the way to President Bush for his signature.
A revised version of the measure passed the Senate yesterday. It includes rebate checks for 20 million seniors and a quarter million disabled veterans. Vermont Senators Bernie Sanders and Patrick Leahy voted for the bill. It did not include home heating assistance or an extension of unemployment benefits that were included in an earlier version of the bill.
In New Hampshire, Senator Judd Greg voted against the package saying it added to the deficit.
Senator John Sununu was a co-sponsor of the bill and supported it.
The measure passed easily in the House with the support of Vermont Congressman Peter Welch. New Hampshire Representatives Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter also gave it their support.
President Bush is expected to sign the measure next week. Income tax rebates of $600 for individuals and $1,200 for couples are expected to go out in May.