A Senate panel approved major portions of the Democrats’ “stimulus” bill on Tuesday over objections from Republicans that debate had been squelched and not even one hearing had been held on the topic.

The appropriations bill also allocates approximately $49 billion in spending on energy provisions, including $40 billion going through the Department of Energy.

Other measures in the legislation include:

• $5 billion for health information technology.
• $1.5 billion for NASA, including $500 million to acquire data about the Earth’s resources and climate.
• $1.4 billion for the National Science Foundation to use for research, infrastructure, and grants.
• $14 million to support cybersecurity efforts within the Department of Homeland Security.
• $575 million for the National Institute of Standards of Technology.
• $200 million to develop a nationwide integrated wireless network for federal law enforcement.

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