WASHINGTON – Amid a rancorous battle between Democrats and Republicans struggling to cast blame for lack of progress on a multibillion-dollar economic stimulus package, Sen. Olympia Snowe delivered a passionate plea for lawmakers on Thursday to drop partisan bickering and work together.

With a nation facing “the most catastrophic times in our history,” the Maine Republican implored senators on both sides of the aisle to consider the way they conduct themselves and what it means to the nation.

“America has had enough bad news,” Snowe said. “We’re dithering while America suffers. I don’t think we ought to proceed in the Senate this way and I don’t think we should proceed in America this way.”

Snowe made her comments to senators on the Senate Finance Committee as they prepared to vote on a $67 billion economic stimulus package sponsored by Democrats that combines new spending programs for the unemployed and tax relief measures for businesses.

At the opening of the meeting, the majority of 10 Republicans on the 21-member panel accused Democrats of refusing to consult with them about how to recharge the nation’s economy. Angry Republicans said they had become so frustrated by Democratic leaders that they had decided against offering their own legislative package or amendments because they were convinced they have been frozen out of the process.

“The result has been worked out in advance,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the committee’s top Republican. “The deck is stacked.”

The brewing dispute in recent weeks reflects the deep divisions between the Democratic and Republican leaders and their contrasting views on domestic issues. Differences have been muted since Sept. 11 as senators joined together with overwhelming support for a flurry of legislation aimed at bolstering national security, but they are now resurfacing with a fury as Republicans stand steadfast in their demands for sweeping tax cuts and Democrats look to increase funding for programs that will assist the unemployed.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., a member of the committee, said Republicans spurned efforts to negotiate a bipartisan plan when House Republicans decided to go it alone last month and approve a $99 billion package that dedicates $75 billion to accelerated tax cuts for businesses and high-income individuals.

“It’s just another collection of tax breaks that overwhelmingly benefits the wealthiest Americans at the expense of everyone else,” he claimed. “It contains next to nothing to help laid-off workers and their families and nothing at all for homeland security.”

But Snowe said that she didn’t “give two hoots” about what the House did. What is important is that the Senate stands together so it can negotiate with House leaders. “What good does it do to our position to go into a conference so divided?” she asked. “We need a position of strength.”

“It’s an abdication of our responsibility that we’ve been unable – or unwilling – to work together to sift through the various proposals and forge a strong, bipartisan package,” she said. “Shame on us if our actions here in any way send a message to the markets and the American people that a stimulus package isn’t in the offing even as the economy worsens.”

At the end of the meeting, the committee voted along party lines, 11-10 in favor of the Democratic package. Snowe joined her GOP colleagues in opposing the measure, but said she would have voted against a Republican alternative as well because of the tensions between the two parties.

“If ever there was a time for Congress to be united, it is now,” she warned. “We are certainly not reaching legislative heights today and this is certainly not my idea of profiles in courage.”

The full Senate may begin debate on the package as early as today.