House Passes Stimulus Bill Without Republican Support

The House of Representatives this afternoon passed the economic stimulus package without any Republican support, the New York Times reports.  The total $787 billion package includes "$46 billion for transportation projects, $40 billion to extend and increase unemployment benefits, and $115 billion in new income tax credits for 95% of workers," writes USA Today.

Obama zealously sought Republican support for the bill. After Republicans deployed a misinformation campaign on the package's provision to expand Medicaid family planning coverage to women who aren't pregnant, Obama publicly asked members of Congress to jettison the expansion.  Democrats quickly dropped the provision from the bill.  And look how well that worked out!  The only ideological division between Democrats and Republicans really is about women's health and equality.  Put that aside, and they're signing Kumbaya.

The Senate will likely vote on the stimulus package tonight. President Obama hopes to sign the bill on Monday.