Republicans, House Democrat wary of stimulus bill

WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican congressional leaders and a key House Democrat are voicing misgivings - but for different reasons - over the Senate version of an economic recovery plan costing more than $800 billion.
   
Sen. John Ensign of Nevada and Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana, both members of Republican leadership teams, complain that the legislation has too much spending and not enough in tax cuts.
   
A top House Democrat, Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, says the Senate bill cuts spending necessary to protect the jobs of policemen and firefighters.
   
The Senate cut $40 billion in aid to state governments contained in a House version of the legislation.
   
The Senate is expected to pass its bill on Tuesday. It then has to be reconciled with the House version.
   
Ensign, Pence and Frank spoke on NBC’s “Meet the Press.“