WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republicans on Friday blocked a plan by Democrats to pump $56 billion in government spending into the economy through public works projects, help for the jobless and money for states struggling with their Medicaid bills.

The 52-42 tally fell well short of the 60 votes needed to defeat a GOP filibuster. The White House promised a veto anyway, saying the measure would not work and would cost too much.

The House was expected to have better luck with a companion $61 billion House plan later in the day.
The bills follow a bipartisan plan enacted this winter that shipped $600-$1,200 tax rebate checks to most individuals and couples and awarded tax breaks to businesses investing in new plants and equipment.

With the economy still sagging, Democrats have long pressed for a follow-up plan that focused on more spending to extend unemployment benefits, boost food stamp payments and build infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, water and sewer projects and school repairs.

Breitbart

In the midst of already throwing away $700 billion of Monopoly money, what the hell are the Democrats and the RINOs doing trying to blow another $56 billion on socialist entitlements?  This was irresponsible and reckless and thankfully the Senate GOP put a stop to it, all but a few that is.  The usual suspects crossed the aisle to vote for bigger government with the addition of Elizabeth Dole who somehow got the impression that voting for more gubmint cheese would endear her to all of the welfare queens in North Carolina that won’t vote for her anyway.

Republicans voting in the affirmative:

• Norm Coleman (MN)
• Susan Collins (ME)
• Elizabeth Dole (NC)
• Gordon Smith (OR)
• Olympia Snowe (ME)
• Arlen Specter (PA)