Senate, Obama Spar Over Stimulus

President Barack Obama and Senate Republicans bickered today over his historically huge economic recovery plan after states and schools lost tens of billions of dollars in a late-night bargain to save it, the AP reports. "We can't afford to make perfect the enemy of the absolutely necessary," Obama said. The Senate convened a rare Saturday session to debate a compromise forged between GOP moderates and the White House.

The $827 billion measure is on track to pass the Senate on Tuesday despite stiff opposition from Republicans and disappointment among Democrats, including the new president who labeled it imperfect. Next up: Difficult negotiations between the House and Senate, which are divided over spending for tax cuts, education and aid for local governments. (More economic stimulus package stories.)