Reid, Ensign part ways on jobs bill

As they do on most matters of the economy, Nevada Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign parted ways today on the $15 billion job creation bill.

Reid, the Senate majority leader who organized the bill and rounded up enough Republicans to clear it through a procedural roadblock earlier this week, voted for final passage.

Ensign, a Republican who often speaks out against continued government spending to boost the economy, voted against it.

The bill passed 70-28.

"The American people are sick and tired of Congress busting the budget and labeling their spending sprees 'jobs bills,'" Ensign said in a statement. "Congress needs to cut government spending and reduce taxes and regulatory burdens on business, so that the private sector will create jobs and hopefully spur this downturned economy.”

Reid told reporters the bill that passed Wednesday "will create at least 1.3 million more jobs." He said Democrats will pass further bills that will attempt to pull Americans out of recession.

"The road to recovery is a long one, and today's progress is just one step along the way. But it is an important step and a step in the right direction." Reid said.