WASHINGTON?The House narrowly approved a Republican $100 billion economic stimulus plan centered on tax cuts favored by President Bush. The plan was opposed by Democrats as politically partisan and too meager for average Americans.

The 216-214 vote Wednesday sent the bill to the Democratic-controlled Senate, where major changes are likely before a final package is approved.

House GOP leaders said their approach would immediately boost an economy faltering since the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

“We need to put our foot on the gas right now,” said Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Calif., chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Bush, appearing at a Maryland printing plant, said the tax relief at the center of the House plan would complement some $60 billion in spending already approved by Congress following the attacks.

“Part of the war we fight is to make sure our economy continues to grow,” Bush said.