Harry Reid touts jobs bill that advances, with help from GOP senator

By Lisa Mascaro

Monday, Feb. 22, 2010 | 4:11 p.m.

WASHINGTON -- New Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown might be known as the 41st Republican – the one who toppled Democrats’ 60-seat majority – but today he was No. 1: the first of five Republicans to cross party lines to support a Democratic jobs bill.

The Senate showed new life this evening when senators voted 62-30 to advance a $15 billion package of tax cuts and highway spending to help put the country back to work.

After weeks of stagnation in the chamber, a mix of partisan gridlock, bad weather and the Presidents Day break, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid welcomed what he hoped was “the beginning of a new day.”

“This is going to create jobs,” said Reid.

The jobs package is the first of several initiatives expected in coming months to kick-start the economy as the nation continues to reel with a nearly 10 percent jobless rate – even higher in Nevada at 13 percent. Democrats have made jobs their top priority heading into the fall mid-term election.

Today’s package assembled by Reid includes a tax cut for businesses that hire unemployed workers – and an additional $1,000 credit for those who keep new workers on the job for a year. It also includes a tax break for business expenses.

The bill also includes two provisions to stimulate building and development. A one-year extension of the federal highway bill is expected to save 1 million jobs, while an extension of a civic bond program started during last year’s recovery act aims to make it easier for local governments to borrow money for capital projects.

The measure was largely popular, but Republicans mostly opposed the jobs package because Reid didn't allow amendments to make additions or changes.

“It’s frustration with the process,” said one Republican aide. "The vast majority of Republicans think there should be a chance to amend it."

Republican Sen. John Ensign of Nevada also voted against the bill.

The legislation could head to a final vote in the chamber later this week and would need to be merged with a broader, $150 billion version that passed the House.