Sen. Carper Comments On Senate Passage Of Economic Stimulus Package

WASHINGTON — Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) voted late today to approve an economic stimulus package that provides tax rebate checks to most Americans, including seniors, disabled veterans and their widows.

The Economic Stimulus Act (H.R. 5140) passed the Senate by a vote 81 of 16. This legislation provides tax rebates of $600 for individuals earning up to $75,000 and $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000, as well as an addition $300 for each child under age 17. The Senate bill also grants a variety of business tax cuts to revive the economy.

"Americans will soon get some economic relief now that the Senate has found common ground around a handful of measures designed to boost our economy in the months ahead," Sen. Carper said. "We put aside partisan politics to pass an economic stimulus package that is targeted to those who need it most, and provides timely and temporary economic relief."

The Senate today voted to modify the economic stimulus package passed by the House last week by providing additional rebates for 20 million senior citizens receiving Social Security and 250,000 disabled veterans. These two new provisions must be reconciled with the House version before a final stimulus bill is sent to the president to sign into law.