The California Democrat told CNN she favors that amount as a compromise between spurring the stagnating U.S. economy without forcing the nation deeply into more debt.

"I would hope we could have about a $50 billion -- there are others who want more," she said in a partial transcript released by the Speaker's office. "But I think in the stimulus packages, you have to look at what helps stimulate the economy without spending more money than you should because you weight the economy down by going deeper into debt."

Pelosi has not given a timetable for passage of the stimulus package which she said could include helping states with Medicaid expenses, public works spending, food stamps, low-income heating assistance and tax rebates.