House OKs $819B stimulus bill with GOP opposition

On Wednesday night, the Democratic controlled House approved a historically huge $819 billion stumulus bill with spending increases and tax cut at the heart of President Obama's plan to help restore a hurt economy.....Included is money for traditional job-creating programs such as highway construction and mass transit projects.....Tens of billions of additional dollars would go to the states.....The centerpiece tax cut calls for a $500 break for single workers and $1,000 for couples, including those who don't earn enough to owe federal income taxes.....
A mere eight days after Inauguration Day, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the events heralded a new era. "The ship of state is difficult to turn," said the California Democrat. "But that is what we must do. That is what President Obama called us to do in his inaugural address."