US economic stimulus plan clears key vote in Senate

WASHINGTON Feb 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Monday cleared a procedural hurdle, agreeing to end debate on the $827 billion economic stimulus package and paving the way for the legislation to pass on Tuesday.

The Senate voted 61-36 to cut off debate on the Democratic-backed plan sought by President Barack Obama despite widespread opposition among Republicans who argue it contains too much spending that will not boost the struggling U.S. economy. A final vote to pass the legislation is scheduled for Tuesday. (Reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky and Richard Cowan, editing by Eric Walsh)