Changes

* While some elements served the package's stated purpose and helped to soften the recession's impact, the overall package was not well designed to foster a speedy recovery or set the stage for long-term growth. Instead, the "stimulus" was oriented to sectors that liberal Democrats believe are deserving of much greater federal help. [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703278604574624711732528426.html]

* While some elements served the package's stated purpose and helped to soften the recession's impact, the overall package was not well designed to foster a speedy recovery or set the stage for long-term growth. Instead, the "stimulus" was oriented to sectors that liberal Democrats believe are deserving of much greater federal help. [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703278604574624711732528426.html]

Conservative [[Republican]]s proposed a similar bill about one-third smaller in dollar terms, but were overwhelmed by solid [[Democratic]] control of the House.  The bill passed the [[Senate]] because three Republicans broke party ranks to vote for it; one of  them<ref> Senator [[Arlen Specter]] of [[Pennsylvania]]</ref> soon switched to the Democratic Party.

Conservative [[Republican]]s proposed a similar bill about one-third smaller in dollar terms, but were overwhelmed by solid [[Democratic]] control of the House.  The bill passed the [[Senate]] because three Republicans broke party ranks to vote for it; one of  them<ref> Senator [[Arlen Specter]] of [[Pennsylvania]]</ref> soon switched to the Democratic Party.