Senate Vote On Stimulus Expected

The Senate is expected to vote on the economic stimulus package Friday evening, Sen. Harry Reid announced Thursday. The vote was expected to begin at about 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

A 60-vote threshold is required to pass the legislation long-sought by President Obama.

Democrats pushing for the plan's passage now have the 60 votes they need, even without Sen. Ted Kennedy, who was not expected to attend the session. Fifty-seven Democrats are onboard, and three Republicans; Susan Collins, R-ME, Olympia Snowe, R-ME, and Arlen Specter, R-PA.

It is expected to be a very long vote because the Senate will wait for Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, who will be returning from his home state where funeral proceedings are being held for his mother.