Senate Eyes $80B Jobs Package

Another shot in the arm for the economy: Democratic Senate leaders have drafted an $80 billion job-creation bill. According to The Washington Post, the package will consist mostly of tax breaks designed to encourage business to make new hires. Democrats hope to have the measure on the Senate floor in a matter of weeks. "We're pretty well along," said Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND). "It's been a long and difficult process but we're pretty well complete in terms of putting together recommendations." The Senate bill, which would be offset by TARP funds, is reduced from the $154 billion plan passed along party lines by the House in December. "There is 'big bill fatigue' in the Senate right now," one Democratic aide told the Post.