On February 24, 2010, the Senate easily approved a $15 billion jobs bill. The measure passed by a 70-28 vote. Thirteen Republican senators joined 55 Democrats and two Independents to approve the bill. One Democrat, Sen. Ben Nelson, voted against the bill, along with 27 Republicans.
The bill includes a new program that would give companies a break from paying Social Security taxes on new employees for the remainder of 2010. It also includes a one-year extension of the Highway Trust Fund, an expansion of the Build America Bonds program ,and a provision to allow companies to write off equipment purchases.