Northwest senators split on stimulus plan

Senate Finance Committee member Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., left, looks on as committee chairman, Sen Max Baucus, D-Mont. gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Feb. 4, 2008.

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Story Published: Feb 7, 2008 at 6:21 PM PDT

By Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - Northwest senators have split as the U.S. Senate passed an economic rescue plan that would speed rebates of at least $600 to most taxpayers.

Thursday's 81-16 vote capped more than a week of political maneuvering.

Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Gordon Smith, and Washington Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell have backed the stimulus plan, while Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Larry Craig opposed it. Smith, Crapo and Craig are Republicans. Wyden, Murray and Cantwell are Democrats.

Smith says tax rebates will boost the sluggish economy by putting money back into the hands of American consumers. But Craig calls the $168 billion plan bloated.

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