House Dems Debut $825B Stimulus Bill

Hill leaders doubt plan's stimulus power, say prez-elect trying too hard to woo GOP

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama's proposed tax cuts are opening a rift with his former congressional colleagues, the Hill reports. Democratic lawmakers are skeptical as to whether the cuts—which are 40% of the proposed stimulus package—will give the economy the necessary boost. Some think the president-elect is trying too hard to win over Republicans, who remain largely unswayed by the plan. More»

(NEWSER) - The Democrats’ $787 billion stimulus package is less popular than ever—even though it’s already working, writes David Wessel for the Wall Street Journal. The case against it is weak: Fed rate cuts hadn’t slowed the recession, already a year-old at that point, making the stimulus an appropriate move. Now the economy is improving, yet 43% of poll respondents say it was a bad idea, compared to just 27% who thought so in January. More»

President let Congress write stimulus, and probably regrets it

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama is working mightily to sell the stimulus bill, but looks have made one major mistake, Massimo Calabresi writes in Time: He let Congress write it. Obama aides let committee staffers draft the bill, relying on their legislative expertise. “They did a good job of really deferring to Congress,” confirms one. Many, however, aren’t sure deference was the way to go. More»

Obama team surprised by unified Republican opposition in House

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama's failure to snag a single vote from House Republicans for his economic stimulus package underlines the tough task the president faces in winning bipartisan support for his plan, notes Politico. Obama aides were surprised by the vote but expressed confidence that some Republicans will eventually come around. More»

Obama, Dems want GOP buy-in, Repubs seek constraints

(NEWSER) - As President Obama and congressional Republicans fight over the outline of an economic stimulus package, each side is wary of catching blame for a botched effort, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. Obama can’t guarantee the $825 billion plan will actually work and seeks public GOP buy-in; Republicans want to rein in spending while avoiding the appearance of stubborn obstructionists. More»