Pelosi puts economy as lawmakers' top priority
— -- Congressional Democrats vowed Wednesday to use their expanded majorities to consider legislation on stem cell research and health insurance for children but said bolstering the economy would be the first priority.
A day after voters widened Democratic majorities by at least 19 seats in the House and five in the Senate, Pelosi said Congress should pass a $61 billion stimulus bill that would increase infrastructure funding and extend unemployment insurance. President Bush signed a $168 billion stimulus bill in February that sent tax rebates to most individuals, and provided tax breaks to some businesses.
Party leaders acknowledged that much of their agenda may be set by President-elect Obama, but they do have some unfinished business. Bush, for example, twice vetoed congressional efforts to increase funding for the children's health insurance program.
Democrats also sought to lower expectations, suggesting it would take time to advance their policies. Shortfalls in the federal budget, compounded by the economic downturn, will require lawmakers to make difficult choices, Pelosi said.
"When you dig yourselves a hole as deep as we have under the Bush administration policies, it takes a little bit of time to dig yourself back out of that hole," said Rep. Chris Van Hollen, who is chairman of the Democratic Party's House fundraising arm.
Many Democrats ran on the promise of ending gridlock in Washington and several won in Republican-leaning districts. That will require Democrats to strike a balance between advancing their proposals and not alienating Republicans, said Mark Rozell, a public policy professor at George Mason University.
"If the Democrats push hard on health care reform, social-cultural issues, they're going to miss a unique opportunity to come out during the honeymoon period and really make a very big difference," Rozell said.
Republican leaders remained largely quiet Wednesday, although some rank-and-file lawmakers began jockeying for leadership positions.
