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House gets second chance with bigger rescue plan
Thursday, October 2, 2008 10:29 AM PDT
WASHINGTON (AP) — House members get another chance to vote on a bill that many would like to avoid: a massive financial rescue plan that has infuriated millions of voters, but is described by President Bush and congressional leaders as vital to keeping the economy from sliding into a deep recession.
This time, it comes back to the House loaded with billions of dollars worth of tax cuts and other sweeteners. They are meant to attract at least a dozen House members who voted against the measure Monday, when it failed, 228-205, triggering a record drop in the stock market.
Senators added the new items in a 74-25 vote late Wednesday, sending the beefed-up package back to the House for a showdown vote expected Friday. House leaders planned to spend today pressing rank-and-file members for the dozen converts they need.
Senators played catalysts for the House, adding tax provisions popular with the left and right in a bid that House leaders hope will persuade enough of the House rank-and-file to switch from “nay” to “aye” on a highly contentious bill a month before Election Day.
They were especially targeting the 133 House Republicans who voted against the package. |