WASHINGTON (CNN) - Two key senators involved in talks over the economic stimulus plan emerged from closed-door talks in the Capitol to say negotiators have essentially reached an agreement on a $789 billion package but still need to resolve minor issues before calling it a done deal.
Aides notified reporters a deal could be announced by Democratic leaders at a Capitol news conference in the 2 p.m. hour.
Anticipating a deal is within reach, a conference committee was scheduled to meet publicly at 3 p.m. to formalize the agreement.
"Very, very close. We'll have a conference at 3," Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Montana, told reporters. "The votes are there for passage, that is clear."
Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Nebraska - a key centrist in the talks - echoed Baucus' assessment, saying there are no "deal breaker" issues still to be resolved.
– CNN's Dana Bash, Ted Barrett and Evan Glass contributed to this report
From CNN Politics
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And just how does Obama plan to pay for this spending pork bill of his? No answers??