Bush, Congress discuss plan for economy

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- President George Bush and congressional leaders Tuesday discussed how to find "common ground" for a stimulus package to boost the U.S. economy.

Flanked by party leaders from the House of Representatives and the Senate, Bush told reporters he believed "we can find common ground to get something done, (that's) big enough and effective enough" to boost an economy that's "inherently strong."

Edward Lazear, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, echoed the desire that "we want to get something together quickly."

Whatever form it takes, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said, "It's important that we have a stimulus package that is timely, that is temporary, and that is targeted."

Bush said he and congressional leaders were committed to quickly developing and enacting a stimulus package.

"But we want to make sure we're realistic about how fast that can possibly happen," Bush said. "And so when we say as soon as possible, that means ... within the ability of these bodies to effectively do their job."