Done Deal

THE SENATE STIMULATES

Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio casts the 60th and final vote at quarter to 10 p.m. Central Time to officially pass the $787 billion dollar economic stimulus package.

It now awaits President Obama's signature.

Democrats will almost surely get the political credit -- or the blame, depending on the massive bill's results.

The Missouri Congressional Delegation split their votes on party lines.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE
What's in it for Missouri -- and why a top educator is calling it "a disappointment."

REP. BLUNT: WE COULD PROLONG ECONOMIC WOES

"I agree with comments by President Obama and Speaker Pelosi that any stimulus package must be timely, targeted and temporary. But the so-called stimulus package the House passed today fails each of those tests. Some of the funds in this bill won’t see the light of day until after 2019. I hope this recession is over by then but, because of this package, I’m afraid we could prolong our economic woes by forcing Americans who need loans to purchase homes or send their children to college to compete with the federal government," said Rep. Blunt.

MCCASKILL: IT'S NECESSARY

"It's necessary. It's supported by the Chamber of Commerce and a vast majority of economists. It cuts taxes for 95 percent of Americans and creates jobs, jobs, jobs. Having said that, it's not perfect and it'll be a long haul because in the meantime, we'll continue to lose jobs throughout the rest of the year," said Sen. Claire McCaskill.

ALSO: MCCASKILL'S WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS INCLUDED

Under the McCaskill Amendment, state and local government workers and private contractors who expose corruption in stimulus spending are fully protected, according to a release.

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