I was wrong in class today when I predicted that Republicans would not filibuster the stimulus bill. A cloture vote was passed this evening in order to stop, or prevent a filibuster. This should guarantee passage of the bill, which will then lead to a conference committee where changes in the Senate bill will be reconciled with the bill that passed the House.
Three Republican Senators voted for the bill:
- Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania. (up for reelection in 2010)
- Susan Collins of Maine. (up for reelection in 2014)
- Olympia Snowe of Maine. (up for reelection in 2012)
I mention when each is up for reelection since I suggested that senators who voted for the bill would likely be those who did not have to face the voters in 2010. Not the case obviously. As in the House, the Republican caucus seems to have held together.
The two key changes involved cuts to funds for state and local government to help them make up shortfalls due to diminished revenues caused by the recession, and funds to assist with school construction projects. Now we should expect a battle between the Democrats in each chamber over the projects taken out in the Senate. If they are placed back into the bill, will the three Republicans continue to support the bill?
