Paulson Calls on Senate To Support Stimulus Plan

WASHINGTON — President Bush's chief negotiator on an economic aid deal said yesterday the Senate should quickly get behind a plan or risk drawing the resentment of a frustrated public.

The president and House leaders have agreed on a proposal to provide tax rebate checks to 117 million families and give businesses $50 billion in incentives to invest in new plants and equipment.

"I don't think the Senate is going to want to derail that deal," Treasury Secretary Paulson said. "And I don't think the American people are going to have much patience for anything that would slow down the process."

But many senators say they are entitled to their ideas and that they never agreed to be deferential to the House and the White House on the final terms. The Senate is considering adding such elements as extending unemployment benefits for workers whose benefits have run out, boosting home heating subsidies, raising food stamp benefits, and approving money for public works projects.