Schumer Wants More Infrastructure Funding in Stimulus

New York, NY —

Senator Charles Schumer says he and other Democrats want more spending for mass transit and other infrastructure improvements in President Obama's economic stimulus package.

REPORTER: Appearing on CBS' Face the Nation, the New York Democrat, who's Vice Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, said his party collaegues will propose amendments for $20-30 billion of additional funding for infrastructure and transportation improvements before the bill comes to a vote. Schumer predicted that the legislation will pass the Senate with Republican votes, because it strikes the right balance overall:

SCHUMER: The package is very much needed. It by and large meets what most economists say is there. And the Republicans won't have the luxury that they had in the House of voting no and still letting it pass.

REPORTER: Schumer said Democrats are open to some Republican proposals, including one to raise the tax credit for new home buyers.