The U.S. Senate is almost certain to finally approve a massive economic stimulus package, as 59 senators have voted in favor of the bill and one more Democratic vote is available.

Democrats, who have 58 of the 100 seats in the Senate, need 60 supporting votes to push the bill through.

The Senate vote, which began at 5:30 p.m. (2230 GMT) Friday, will be held open for the arrival of Ohio Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, who was in his home state for his late mother's memorial service.

Brown will be flown back to Washington on a plane provided by the White House because the vote is "official business," said a report by the CNN, adding Brown will fly back to Ohio immediately after the vote.

Source:Xinhua