Senate passes stimulus plan, Geithner plan bombs

Lots to mull over on the economic front.

The U.S. Senate passed President Barack Obama's $838 billion economic stimulus 61 to 37. Every Democrat voted for the bill, and they were joined by three Republicans. An ailing Sen. Ted Kennedy flew in from Florida, where he is convalescing, to cast his vote, according to MSNBC.

Business groups were enthusiastic about the Senate bill. "We are glad that it passed," said Laura Narvaiz, a spokeswoman for the National Association of Manufacturers, in an interview. She added that the Senate bill "was more balanced" than the House one.