Leaders closer on economic package

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Worried U.S. investors Wednesday hoped for good news from Capitol Hill on a stimulus package aimed at heading off or softening a recession.

Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr. Tuesday indicated a willingness to include the poorest Americans -- those who pay little or no taxes -- in a proposed $145 billion economic stimulus package, The Washington Post reported. Lawmakers are discussing extensions in unemployment and food stamps benefits.

Individual taxpayers could see $800 rebates with married couples receiving as much as $1,600. One third of the $145 billion is slated for businesses.

After meeting with lawmakers, President George W. Bush said he had "a very positive feeling," about reaching an accord.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said she was, "confident that we will have a bipartisan agreement," in a deal in which two-thirds of the money would be made available as tax rebates.

House Minority Leader John A. Boehner, R-Ohio, said, there are "no issues of disagreement right now."

But some voiced complaints. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., said the package, "leaves out the poorest Americans" while Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., said, the proposals are not "fiscally responsible."