The Senate will likely increase the amount of spending in a stimulus package that already exceeds $800 billion, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press.""I think we're going to add, frankly, to that ability to get money into the economy and put people to work immediately," Kerry said when asked how the Senate could strengthen the $819 billion House-passed bill. A Senate bill working its way to the chamber floor is already nearing $900 billion.
Democrats will put forth amendments on transit, water, and other infrastructure spending, Kerry said, noting that Democratic leaders will also open the package to Republican amendments when debate begins this week.
Extending unemployment benefits also must be included, Kerry said. "These are important issues. They're also a matter of a moral structure of your government ... your relationship with citizens," Kerry said. "People need to pay their rent. If you don't extend unemployment insurance, people are going to be long-term unemployed."