WASHINGTON - The Senate has rejected President Barack Obama's proposal to give a $250 bonus payment to people on Social Security. The proposal failed by a 50-47 vote in which Republicans and Democratic budget hawks opposed the idea for adding $14 billion to the budget deficit. Proponents said the $250 payment was needed to make up for the lack of a cost-of-living adjustment this year for beneficiaries. Disabled people and veterans also would have been eligible for the payments.

- Associated Press