Economist Robert Brusca of Fact and Opinion Economics analyzed the House and Senate versions of the stimulus plan and categorized the main elements as either Cushion (they make the downturn feel less painful), Agenda (they are items from a Democratic policy wishlist) or Stimulus (they are actually intended to boost the economy.) Here is his take on the Senate plan:
It is hard to categorize the spending. But I have looked at the Senate plan in more detail and my rough estimate is that its $365bln of spending is roughly 24% stimulus, 36% cushion and 40% agenda.
Also, other countries and large multinational American companies not so happyabout the protectionism in the bill.
Not So Fast 