Articles

"Congress should pass a second economic stimulus bill that could include tax cuts, an extension of unemployment benefits, or funds for roads and bridges, say a majority of economists polled recently by USA TODAY."

"It took only 13 words from Fed chief Ben Bernanke to signal that another shot in the arm for the faltering U.S. economy may be coming. As congressional Democrats push for a boost aimed at Main Street costing at least $150 billion, the public face of the nation's central bank recently threw his considerable weight behind a 'significant' stimulus measure in typically understated fashion. 'Consideration of a fiscal package by the Congress at this juncture,' Bernanke said, 'seems appropriate.'"

"Congress has slated a wave of hearings on economic, finance and regulatory issues, reflecting Democrats' growing ambitions in the final weeks of the 2008 election campaign."

"On Monday, America's foremost economists told House Democratic leaders that our economy and America's families would benefit if Congress acted quickly on a new economic recovery package. The economists' message echoed that of the economist who won the Nobel Prize this week -- Paul Krugman -- who is calling for a large fiscal stimulus program 'to get us out of this recession.'"

"A post-election session of Congress seems all but certain next month with House Democrats beginning to focus on more permanent tax breaks for middle- and working-class families, along with shorter-term spending proposals to stimulate the economy."

"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said yesterday that she may call lawmakers back to Washington after the Nov. 4 elections to put together a new federal spending package worth as much as $150 billion in hopes of stimulating the nation's flagging economy."

"Health insurers that provide mental- health benefits will be barred from providing less coverage than they do for other medical services under the $700 billion financial-markets rescue package approved by Congress."

"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vowed Thursday to press ahead with a Democratic plan to inject more than $50 billion or so into the economy, despite opposition from the White House and moderates in her own party."