House passes stimulus plan without Republican support

The House has passed a $787 billion plan to resuscitate the economy, handing President Barack Obama a big victory.

The measure was passed on a 246-183, with no Republican “yes” votes. It will now go to the Senate, where a vote is expected later Friday.

The eight-inch thick measure combines tax cuts for individuals and businesses with a half-trillion dollars in government spending for infrastructure, health care and help for cash-starved state governments.

Seniors would get a $250 bonus Social Security check.

Seven Democrats voted against the bill.

Obama claims that the plan will save or create 3.5 million jobs.

But Republicans said it won’t work because it has too little in tax cuts and spreads too much money around to everyday projects like computer upgrades for federal agencies.