House passes stimulus plan

But the shape of a final compromise that lawmakers from both parties say is vital to heading off a recession remains unclear as the Senate prepares to begin debate on the legislation.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) will convene a meeting Wednesday on his own plan, which differs substantially from the House plan.

At the same time, other senators are pushing a host of proposals to augment the carefully crafted deal worked out last week by House leaders and the Bush administration.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said today he has received 15 letters in recent days from lawmakers offering additions, including more spending on public works and more mortgage assistance.

The proliferating Senate suggestions, which some fear could jeopardize chances of passing a stimulus package by mid-February, have set off alarm bells in the White House and among House leaders.

Monday, President Bush warned senators in his State of the Union speech not to "load up the bill" with additional pay-outs.

And today, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) -- who worked with Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr. to put together the House bill last week -- repeatedly asked senators not to tie up the legislation.

"I would hope that the timely aspect of this is recognized by our colleagues in the Senate," the speaker said.

noam.levey@latimes.com