USA: Senate still split on stimulus package

AFP - President Barack Obama's Democratic allie

President Barack Obama laid out a sweeping blueprint for economic growth in his State of the Union, unveiling an ambitious liberal agenda that he promised would deliver a "growing economy that creates good, middle-class jobs." 

As US workers continue to struggle with double-digit unemployment, the House of Representatives narrowly approved a 154-billion-dollar spending bill aimed at creating jobs.US President Barack Obama's Democratic allies said Wednesday's package, which the Senate will likely not act on until 2010, would aid those looking for work and states facing shortfalls and mulling public sector layoffs.Lawmakers voted 217-212 for the bill, which includes 48.3 billion dollars in infrastructure investments from highway construction to clean water projects and public housing programs.

President Barack Obama, seeking to boost U.S. jobs in an election year, calls for Congress to pass a $30 billion package to aid small business lending that he hopes will lift hiring.