The U.S. Senate has approved a compromise version of an economic stimulus bill that includes provisions to provide tax rebate checks to retired seniors, disabled veterans, and widows of veterans—provisions that were backed by Senator Collins. The bill also makes illegal aliens ineligible for the rebate payments. Senator Collins voted in support of the bill and released this statement:
“It is important that Congress pass an economic stimulus bill as quickly as possible. It is good news that a compromise was reached and that this bill was approved. This bill, I believe, will help to ease or avert a recession by putting money back into the pockets of those who need it most. It improves upon the House version of the bill by extending tax rebates to retired seniors, disabled veterans, and widows of veterans.
“I am disappointed that the compromise did not include the provision that I coauthored with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) to provide an additional $1 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The high cost of energy is one major reason why our economy is strained and why low-income families and seniors are struggling to make ends meet. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that the LIHEAP program has the funds necessary to assist those who desperately need assistance with heating their homes this winter.”