Senate Approves $838 Billion Stimulus

The Senate approved Tuesday the $838 billion economic stimulus bill proposed by President Obama, the Associated Press reported.

In a 61-37 vote, the senate paved the way for negotiations with the House of Representatives over differences between bills passed by the two houses.

Three Republican senators - Susan Collins (Maine), Olympia Snowe (Maine) and Arlen Specter (Pa.) - joined Democrats in voting in favor of the legislation, AP said.

The legislation includes $27 billion for roads and bridges, but not the additional $25 billion proposed last week by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.). Senate Republicans blocked that measure, arguing that additional infrastructure spending ought to be offset by trimming from other parts of the bill, AP reported.