Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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January 19, 2008

Bush Seeks Opposition Support to Boost Faltering US Economy
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1AF9737:A6F02AD83191E1601F9ABCD0561CC72F7F0EB4B66EA3A89D& US president wants
stimulus package to encourage consumer spending, along with tax
reductions to help businesses make larger investments, hire more
people





President Bush, accompanied by Vice President Dick Cheney, left, makes
a statement on the economy,18 Jan 2008President Bush has called on the
Democratic-controlled Congress to work with his administration in
creating an economic growth package to boost the U.S. economy.

Mr. Bush says the economy is fundamentally strong, but the risk of a
downturn or recession is rising. He wants a stimulus package to
encourage consumer spending, along with tax reductions to help
businesses make larger investments and hire more people.

Administration officials say Mr. Bush's plan could cost between $140
billion and $150 billion.

The Democratic majority leader in the U.S. Senate, Harry Reid of
Nevada, says he was encouraged by the president's remarks. On
Thursday, Reid had expressed some disappointment regarding Mr. Bush's
economic policy.

Rising energy prices, a steep downturn in housing and credit markets
and other problems have made many U.S. economic forecasters
pessimistic. Stock prices also have declined sharply since the New
Year, worrying many Americans.

Many recent public-opinion polls show the economy is replacing the
Iraq war as the top concern for voters in this election year.

Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.


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