Nelson (D-Ne) says progress being made on stimulus bill

[Omaha Steve]

Published Thursday February 5, 2009
Nelson says progress being made on stimulus bill

BY JOSEPH MORTON
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

WASHINGTON - When Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., arrived Wednesday at the White House, he passed Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine on her way out.

"It's the 1-2 punch," Collins said to Nelson.

"Well, that depends on how many punches you threw," Nelson joked.

The senators met separately with President Barack Obama about their ongoing effort to slash a long list of spending programs from a pending $900 billion economic stimulus bill. Obama says the bill is necessary to turn around the country's deteriorating economy.

Nelson said he gave Obama a list of more than $50 billion in spending programs that could be eliminated. He said Obama pledged to have his economic advisors review that list and work with Nelson and other senators.

Nelson and Collins have emerged as Senate leaders on the stimulus bill, working furiously this week to rally like-minded colleagues to the cause. Their effort is seen as possibly key to getting enough votes to pass the measure.

FULL story at link.

[TwilightGardener]

1. Nelson always inserts himself as the bipartisan mediator in shit like this--

makes him feel relevant and gives him a few minutes in the spotlight. I'm tired of his little act.

[G_j]

2. worthless ass

but a good little Republican

[KharmaTrain]

3. Yesterday Was A Devestating Day For The GOOP

Seems the corporate media is more intereted in burrying Tom Daschele and spreading GOOP talking points. Meanwhile in the Senate, Repugnican ammendments went down...and down big. They lost by more than 60 votes...meaning none of their 'proposals' were approved by their entire caucus. We're hearing from the wingnuts like Shelby and DeMint on this, not the moderates...and that's where the deals are being cut.