Stimulus plan on way to Bush's desk

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. House of Representatives Thursday overwhelmingly approved Senate changes to the stimulus package designed to boost the U.S. economy.

The package of taxpayer rebates small-business tax cuts and housing-related measures now goes to President George Bush for his signature.

Bush earlier indicated he supported the Senate amendments to the package developed by bipartisan negotiators from the House and the Bush administration.

The Senate changes would extend tax rebate checks to low-income seniors and disabled veterans and their spouses, but not to illegal immigrants.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said the IRS would begin the process of getting the checks prepared and sent.

U.S. Senate Democrats and Republicans Thursday approved a compromise economic stimulus plan of consumer tax rebates and business tax breaks on a 81-16 vote.

The Bush administration and House Democratic and Republican leaders developed the bipartisan plan that includes tax rebates, child credits, small-business tax breaks and housing-related proposals to help avert or shorten an economic recession.