Through One Hoop

The stimulus bill has gotten through one filibuster tonight to end debate, and faces another one tomorrow before the vote. Three Republicans jumped the line: Arlen Specter, Olympia Snowe, and Susan Collins. Teddy Kennedy also showed up for the vote to make it 61-36.

The U.S. Senate lined up to advance the $827 billion economic stimulus legislation backed by the White House on Monday, clearing the threat of a Republican filibuster.

While Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid vowed to deliver a bill to President Barack Obama's desk within days, key lawmakers braced for a difficult round of further negotiations aimed at producing a final House-Senate compromise.

"There is no reason we can't do this by the end of the week," said Reid. He said he was prepared to hold the Senate in session into the Presidents Day holiday weekend if necessary, and cautioned Republicans not to try and delay final progress.

We'll see what Obama's presser tonight brings.