Charles L. Schultze, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, justified the removal claiming that the economy appeared to be more stimulated than anticipated and the provisions were redundant. Although both parties were unhappy with the original provisions, Carter faced further criticism after announcing that the $50 tax rebate and business tax credits would be removed from the bill. This time the criticism came from both the Democrats and Republicans from the Senate Budget Committee. The Democratic Sen, Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Edmund S. Muski and Republic Sen. Henry S. Bellmon condemned the sudden removal. Bellmon said by withdrawing the cornerstone of his stimulus package; the President has left the budget process “with egg on its face.” In response to these statements, Michael Blumenthal defended the removal by stating that there was a growing belief within the team that leaving the rebate it would be misguided. The initial bill also included a $50 per person tax rebate, which Carter proposed during his campaign, claiming that it would better help stimulate the economy. A temporary business tax cut was also included, providing small businesses with an opportunity to reduce their payroll. These provisions were introduced to help improve demand and boost the economy. However, they were faced with heavy criticism when introduced to the House committee, arguing the impact of the rebate and considerations for more favourable alternatives such as a permanent tax cut. The provision's removal was faced with heavy criticism from both sides of the party, as Congress had to amend its 1977 budget process in order to integrate the bill. The withdrawal was deemed by many as “a body blow to the Congressional budget process”. Despite the discontent, Senate voted, 63 - 15 to end the debate on the bill and advanced it on 2 May 1977. The congressional negotiators reported that the Conference Report was completed on 3 May 1977. The House Majority Leader Robert Byrd scheduled a vote on the bill the next day. On 4 May, the House agreed to the Conference Report, 326 - 87. The reported was passed by the majority except for 17 Democrats voted for the bill, and 70 Republicans voted against it (19 congress members did not vote). The Senate passed the Conference Report on 5 May 1977. On 13 May 1977, President Carter hosted 25 mayors from the country’s most financially struggling cities to watch him sign the $20.1 billion bill into law. The signing ceremony was held at the White House Rose Garden. The following are the main features of the bill:        Under the stimulus package, it provided further support and funding for the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), which was aimed to provide training for workers and jobs in the public sector.