Stimulus package poised for Senate OK

WASHINGTON (AP) — The economic stimulus package is poised to move forward in the Senate today. The $827 billion package seems assured to clear a key procedural hurdle, but not by much. Just three Republicans are expected to join Democrats in supporting the package, barely giving it the 60 votes needed.

Most Republicans will vote no, unhappy not only at the pricetag, but also that they weren't more involved in putting the package together.

Final Senate approval will set the stage for what could be tough negotiations to iron out differences with the House over tax cuts and spending.

Republican congressional leaders and a key House Democrat are voicing misgivings - but for different reasons - over the Senate version of an economic recovery plan costing more than $800 billion.