Reid Tweaks Senate Schedule So Obama, Clinton Can Vote On Stimulus

Republicans in the Senate have suddenly turned against the economic stimulus bill now that the Finance Committee has added billions in spending for unemployment, senior citizens and energy tax breaks.

So Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has decided to wait until he can pull Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Hillary ROdham Clinton (D-N.Y.) away from the campaign trail before holding a series of critical votes on the economic stimulus package.

"I will call Obama and Clinton and they will be here," Reid said, noting that  the Democratic presidential candidates have "never missed an important vote."

The key votes could come Monday, but Wednesday — the day after Super Tuesday — is the most likely day to convince Obama and Clinton to swing by the Senate for a few votes.

Republican opposition to a variety of late additions to the stimulus bill may force Reid to get 60 votes to pass the bill, so every vote will matter. On top of that, Obama and Clinton will be able to return to the presidential campaign trail proclaiming they voted for tax rebates for lower and middle-class voters. It's not clear if John McCain (R-Ariz.), who has criticized the stimulus package, will show up for the votes.

The economic package emerged from the House with overwhelming support, but the Senate Finance Committee has added a 13 week unemployment insurance extension, money for senior citizen rebates, and $5.6 billion in energy tax breaks. Senate Republicans criticized the bill as a "Christmas tree" and suggested that the Senate simply vote on the House-passed bill.