The Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday approved President Barack Obama's 819-billion-dollar economic stimulus plan, which melds new spending and tax cuts to jump-start the economy.
The House measure combines roughly 275 billion dollars in temporary tax cuts for both individuals and businesses along with about 544 billion dollars for job-creating investment projects, health industry improvements, expanded aid for the poor and unemployed, and improving education.
Obama hopes the expansive stimulus plan will create or save 3 million to 4 million American jobs and help revive the economy, which has been in a worsening recession since December 2007.