Democrats zero in on economic stimulus

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Noting low consumer confidence, postponed business investments and concern about the retail holiday season, Sen. Jean Carnahan, D-Missouri, said that "Congress should act now," but House Republicans are trying to push through a bill -- with President Bush's support -- that won't help those who need help.

"Instead of providing a stimulus, the House simply dusted off old proposals that would return us to the days of deficits and high interest rates," Carnahan said. "It would be a windfall for the wealthiest among us, but offers almost nothing to working families."

Carnahan accused the Republicans of "ignoring the advice of economists" and ignoring a "bipartisan agreement" on a set of principles for any stimulus package.

The White House, however, calls a Democratic-backed Senate bill "nothing more than a Democrat spending proposal." The House bill backed by Bush contains about $100 billion in tax cuts.

Carnahan, however, said the Democrats' bill was a well-rounded legislation combines new spending to bolster homeland security, tax cuts for low- and moderate-income wage earners and expanded unemployment and health-care benefits, particularly important in the wake of massive job losses following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

"Congress approved $15 billion to bail out the airline industry, but did nothing for the workers," said Carnahan, who has sponsored a bill in the Senate to provide economic benefits, job training, and health coverage to airline industry workers who were laid off as a result of the attacks.

Carnahan said she was pleased that House GOP leaders had agreed to return to negotiations with Senate leaders, but called on Bush to provide the leadership "to help break the logjam."

"With a new bipartisan resolve, and with the president's leadership, let us do what the American people expect of us," she said.