Specter Explains Stimulus Deal Support
Stimulus "Urgent Necessity," Senator Says
PHILADELPHIA - Republican Senator Arlen Specter said he is supporting the stimulus deal because it is "an urgent necessity."
Specter was only one of three Republicans in the Senate to break rank and support President Barack Obama's plan. The vote was 61 in favor, 37 opposed.
Specter told "Good Day Philadelphia" Wednesday he questioned the president about why Feb. 13th is the drop dead date for a stimulus package. He said he was told "the situation is so dire it can't wait any longer."
Convinced something needs to be done fast to save the failing economy, Specter said he was swayed to support the measure.
He said he is not happy there will be no hearings. But Tuesday's drop in market confirmed for him "everybody is watching what we're doing."
Specter refused to speculate how long it will take to hammer out the differences between the Senate and House versions of the bailout plan, saying, "We're gonna move as fast as we can."
