Summary of the $888 Billion Stimulus Bill Under Debate in the Senate

The Democratic chairmen of the Senate Appropriations and Finance committees released a summary of the current version of the $888 billion stimulus bill, which is being called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The bill could grow before the debate in the Senate is over, and Republicans are expected to offer an array of amendments. A vote could take place as early as the end of this week.

The summary, released by Sens. Max Baucus of Montana and Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, follows:

The United States is facing its deepest economic crisis since the Great Depression, one that calls for swift, bold action. The goals of this legislation are the same as they have been from day one: to strengthen the economy now and invest in our country's future.

This legislation will create and save jobs; help state and local governments with their budget shortfalls to prevent deep cuts in basic services such as health, education, and law enforcement; cut taxes for working families and invest in the long-term health of our economy. We do all of this with unprecedented accountability, oversight and transparency so the American people know their money is being invested responsibly.

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 combines two essential ingredients needed to bring our economy back to life," said Senate Appropriations Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii). "We will create four million jobs in the near-term, and invest in America's future by rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure for the long-term. In addition, this bill includes more than $301 billion to aid state and local governments as they struggle to meet increasing demand for social services amidst plummeting tax revenues. As we address this crisis, we must never lose sight of our responsibility to avoid wasteful spending by providing strict accountability and oversight measures. We must invest this money quickly, but also wisely."

"Millions of Americans will get back to work and our economy will get back on track with the job-creating tax cuts and smart investments in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, " said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.). "Working families will get a financial boost, small businesses will finally catch a break, and the whole country will reap the benefits of a growing green energy sector, revitalized schools, and higher-quality health care. This bill has been carefully crafted to produce meaningful improvements to our economy in the short term, and to improve America's fiscal strength and stability for the future."

To accomplish these goals, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides $888 billion in investments and tax cuts. Of this total, $694 billion will enter the economy by the end of Fiscal year 2010, meaning that 78 percent of the monies allocated will reach the American people by September 30, 2010, providing an immediate boost to the overall economy and creating an estimated four million jobs.

The Act provides for the following critical investments:

• Tax cuts for Working Families - $247 billion
• Job-creating Investments in Infrastructure and Science - $165 billion
• Job-creating Investments in Health - $153 billion
• Job-creating Investments in Education and Training - $138 billion
• Job-creating Investments for an Energy Independent America - $82 billion
• Job-creating Tax Cuts for Small Businesses - $21 billion
• Helping Americans Hit Hard by the Economic Crisis - $72 billion
• Law Enforcement, Oversight, Other Programs - $10 billion