Lame-duck Congress may vote on stimulus

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Democratic leaders may reconvene the U.S. Congress soon after the election to work on an economic stimulus package.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has scheduled a meeting Monday in her office with leading economists and the Democratic leadership, The Wall Street Journal reported.

"We have some harsh decisions to make," she said. "Some of them can't wait until January."

Democrats are considering a bill that would put billions of dollars into the hands of the public, a one-time infusion of spending power they hope would kick start the economy. President George W. Bush opposes additional efforts to use consumer spending as a stimulus.

Aides said the $150 billion package would combine spending for infrastructure like roads and bridges and a possible tax rebate.

While no final decision has been made, leaders are said to be considering a lame-duck session starting Nov. 17.