Posted on 01/27/2009 1:05:28 PM PST by jessduntno
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama on Tuesday met with congressional Republicans to discuss his proposed $825 billion economic stimulus plan as a critical House vote looms.
The president met with House Republicans first, and then had a meeting scheduled with the Senate GOP caucus.
"We had a wonderful exchange of ideas, and I continue to be optimistic about our ability to get this recovery package done to put people back to work," Obama said after leaving a meeting with GOP House members.
"There are some legitimate philosophical differences" between Democrats and Republicans on how to stimulate the economy, Obama noted, "and I respect that."
"I don't expect 100 percent agreement," he added. "But I hope we can put politics aside."
The talks are being held against the backdrop of what appears to be a steadily deteriorating economic situation, highlighted by thousands of new private sector job cuts and record low consumer confidence.
The Conference Board, a New York-based business research group, reported Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index fell to 37.7 in January, an all-time low going back to the index's inception in 1967.
Obama's plan -- the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- has been placed on the congressional fast-track. Key Senate committees are scheduled to debate and vote on the bill Tuesday. The full House may vote as soon as Wednesday.
Democratic leaders have said they aim to get the package to Obama's desk for enactment by Presidents Day, which falls on February 16.
How much influence the minority GOP will have on the final drafting of the stimulus plan is an open question.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
They must have been delighted with his presence...I know I sure would! Golly, gee, thank you, Mr. President!
Can someone please hand me a barf bag?
“LaHood was expected to play a pivotal role in helping Obama win over at least some congressional Republicans.”
Ohhhhhhh puhleeeeeeeze...shoot me now...
...and I continue to be optimistic about our ability to get this recovery package done to put people back to work...
::::::::::
The lie continues. It is NOT a recovery package — it is a Democrat Empowerment Pork and Welfare package ——
No republican should vote for this monster. 0bambi and his merry band of demorats want it, they have the votes, let them pass it and wear it. When it passes the republicans, in mass, should get on the capital steps and layout just what is in this bill. Start the election for ‘10 on that day.
Were the jellyfish Republicans sucked in by his “charismatic personality” or could they see thru this socialist like we all can. I swear the Republicans are stuck on stupid.
Hey they won let them vote for it alone.
I sure hope the Republicans don’t just lie in a circle like sandbags protecting the Democrats. It’s a total waste of a good bag.
BANG. Now you shoot me....
“The lie continues. It is NOT a recovery package — it is a Democrat Empowerment Pork and Welfare package ——”
Haaaaaaaaaa ha! The DEPWP. Now we have an official acronym...
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