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Pelosi: Economy Lawmakers' Top Agenda
2008-11-06 09:48am
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said the Democratic majority would put righting the nation's economy as their top priority, but also said Democrats would consider legislation on stem cell research and health insurance for children.
In the interim, Pelosi said Congress should pass an additional $61 billion stimulus package to increase infrastructure funding and extend unemployment benefits.
President Bush signed a $168 billion stimulus package in February.
Congressional Democrats did say, however, that much of their agenda is likely to be shaped by President-elect Obama, but noted that unfinished business with Bush remained. Bush, for instance, has twice vetoed increased funding for children's health insurance.
Pelosi and other Democrats also sought to lower voters' expectations, noting that many changes would require time and that the current budget shortfall, coupled with a weakened economy, would require tough choices.
(c) 2008 Newsroom.