Bush studies plan to help U.S. economy

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush said he is considering proposing a stimulus package aimed at promoting growth and shoring up weak areas of the U.S. economy.

He said he may introduce the plan during his State of the Union address Jan. 28 but isn't sure of that at this point.

As the price of oil hovers near $100 a barrel and overall economic anxiety builds, Bush said he is seeking ideas from advisers about ways to handle particular economic troubles, The Washington Post reported.

"We are listening to a lot of good ideas from different people," Bush said in an interview. "We've got our people out there carefully, not only monitoring this situation but listening to . . . possible remedies."

Aides said no decision will be made on the proposal until the president returns from a trip to the Middle East on Jan. 16.