WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. House Democratic leaders said Tuesday they hope to pass a jobs bill before lawmakers leave Washington Dec. 18 for their Christmas recess.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has asked key committee chairmen for ideas on job creation, which House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said could be folded into one bill, The Hill reported.
"It's my hope we will adjourn by Dec. 18," Hoyer said. "I would certainly hope we would move something on jobs before that."
Hoyer wouldn't assign a dollar value to what Democrats were planning, but said at minimum the party would try to extend unemployment benefits and COBRA health insurance assistance for the unemployed. Other issues being considered include aid to states to preserve public-sector jobs, job-creation tax breaks and spending on public projects such as highways, he said.
Democrats consulted often with a group of economists, but Hoyer said there have been "differences of opinion" on which tactics would be most effective, the Washington publication said.
Hoyer dismissed efforts to characterize the House effort as a "second stimulus," saying it would be more narrowly focused than the $787 billion package passed early this year.
The bill, already a target for conservatives irked at the federal spending surge, also could raise hackles of Republicans and conservative "Blue Dog" Democrats wanting the spending offset by cuts in other areas or through tax hikes.
Hoyer indicated spending may not be offset because increasing taxes would frustrate efforts to boost the economy.
"The challenge we have is to stimulate the economy and not depress it at the same time," Hoyer said.
