Dem Leaders Meet with Economists

Democratic leaders are meeting with economists today to develop a plan to help the U.S. economy recover from its current crisis.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) hosted members of the House Democratic leadership along with ten economists and Iowa Gov. Chet Culver (D) in her office this morning as the meeting convened.

“Each and every one of these people who are here today will take us to a new place in our thinking on how we can protect the taxpayers, create jobs, stabilize our economy and the markets, and do so in a way that is fair to the American people,” Pelosi said, welcoming the group.

House Democrats have pushed Republicans and President Bush to support a second economic stimulus package, and some have speculated that party leaders will bring Congress back into session after Nov. 4 to try to pass one.

The goal of today’s meeting, Pelosi said last week when it was announced, is to develop a plan that “will create jobs by rebuilding our roads, bridges and highways, prevent cuts to vital government services such as health, education, and public safety, extend unemployment benefits, and help families cope with rising food costs.”

See the list of economists attending today’s meeting here.