The Senate achieved some reasonable success towards boosting the economy by passing a $35 billion bill aimed squarely at job creation today.

Barely some hours after its introduction, the House passed the jobs bill – specifically meant to get rid of payroll taxes for the hired unemployed workers as well as give extra tax relief to those companies they work for, provided they remain in employment for 12 consecutive months.

A one-year reauthorization of $20 billion highway funding (which will provide jobs for thousands) and a provision that affords companies the opportunity to write off equipment purchases are also contained in the bill.

Senator Barbara Boxer, D-Calif said it could create a quarter-of-a-million jobs. “And this is a very strong signal, I think, that people are now focused on what we need to do as Americans” said Senator Barbara.

Though the bill is tagged “$35 billion” price, only $15 billion is allocated to stimulate the job market.

“Job losses have slowed considerably, and the number of full-time jobs in manufacturing rose modestly in January. Notwithstanding these positive signs, the job market remains quite weak, with the unemployment rate near 10 percent and job openings scarce” said Ben Bernanke, Federal Reserve Chairman.

"The chronically unemployed that I see walking the streets of my district over and over again. When are we gonna provide for them?" said Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

"At least putting the thought forward to put 15 billion into that program would help. Do you think it's enough, 15 billion? No, not for a nation with a problem as big as this" said Jamison Waddy of northeast El Paso.

On the other hand, the Senate is presently having another look at a $150 billion bill that is aimed at extending unemployment and health benefits.