US House Approves Obamas Stimulus Plan

The Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives approved a $819 billion stimulus bill Wednesday night, offering an early legislative victory in Barack Obama's presidency, The Associated Press reported.

The vote was 244-188, with Republicans unanimously opposed. The AP said Obama has been hammering economic themes, but despite his efforts at reaching across party lines was unable to sway the opposition in the first test of his bipartisanship goals.

With unemployment at its highest level in a quarter-century, the banking industry wobbling despite the infusion of staggering sums of bailout money and states struggling with budget crises, Democrats said the legislation was desperately needed, while Republicans argued the bill was short on tax cuts and contained too much spending.

``This recovery plan will save or create more than three million new jobs over the next few years,'' Obama said in a written statement released moments after the House voted. He later welcomed congressional leaders of both parties to the White House for drinks as he continued to lobby for the legislation.

The increasingly troubled economy is the first major test of Obama's presidency. How he handles the volatile situation, and the effect of his stimulus package on the economy, could set the tone for his first year in office, if not his entire term, according to The AP.

The vote sent the bill to the Senate, where debate could begin as early as Monday on a companion measure already taking shape. Democratic leaders have pledged to have legislation ready for Obama's signature by mid-February.

Republican House leader, Rep. John Boehner, was quoted as saying the measure ``won't create many jobs, but it will create plenty of programs and projects through slow-moving government spending.'' A Republican alternative, comprised almost entirely of tax cuts, was defeated, 266-170.