January 14, 2008

Democrats Seeking Broad Backing For Stimulus Package

As part of an effort to seek bipartisan agreement on an economic stimulus package, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi met today with Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, and other Democrats laid out their ideas for an aid proposal.

"We hope to work in a bipartisan way for an initiative that is timely, targeted and temporary," Pelosi said before this afternoon's closed-door meeting. Quick action on a stimulus package has become the top issue for the White House and Democratic congressional leaders, although neither side has offered details. House Democratic leaders are expected to meet Tuesday, when that chamber returns to Washington after the long holiday recess, to discuss the legislative possibilities.

Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid have requested meetings with President Bush after he returns Wednesday from a visit to the Middle East. The Senate returns to work next week.

Democratic sources said the leaders want to come to terms with the White House as quickly as possible. "I haven't heard anyone talk about anything except stimulus," a top Democratic aide said. "As of today there is real interest in working with [the administration] on this and there has been some interest from the White House." But, the aide cautioned, "That is today. Check with me in 24 hours."

The economy is expected to be a key issue in House and Senate campaigns this year, as well as in the race for the White House, and Democrats seem eager to get ahead of the curve. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel of Illinois addressed the economy in a speech to Chicago business leaders today. Emanuel went beyond a temporary stimulus package, advocating a New Deal-type plan to help the nation deal with globalization that would address health care, energy, savings and education. "We cannot ignore the American people's deeply held concerns about the economy," Emanuel said.

House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, D-Mass., was also set to speak on the subject at Harvard University today, but that event was delayed because of the severe weather. House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., is scheduled to address the economy and stimulus legislation Tuesday in a speech to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

-Christian Bourge, CongressDaily

Posted at 4:20 PM
Posted to: Bush Administration, Campaigns, Congress, Economy, House, President Bush, Senate, WH 2008
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