WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Senate have reached a deal on an election-year economic stimulus plan that would send government rebate checks to millions of Americans including retirees and disabled veterans.
Reid said the package improves on a version passed last week by the House of Representatives which would send one-time government checks of up to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for couples plus $300 per child to millions of Americans.
The Senate bill also will tighten language to ensure illegal immigrants do not receive rebates.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters her chamber would act quickly, possibly as early as Thursday, once the Senate approves its version of a stimulus bill and send the compromise to President Bush for his expected signature.
"The sooner we get this done, the sooner the checks will be in the mail," she said, adding the House would act on a Senate-passed bill by next week.
