Financial reform bill most popular, poll finds

A majority of respondents (52 percent) disapproves of the 2009 stimulus bill, 56 percent oppose the auto industry bailout and the new healthcare law, and 61 percent disapprove of the bank bailout.

“Financial reform does best due to a relatively high level of support from Republicans — 42 percent approve of it — as well as a majority support from independents,” Gallup states. “Independents join Republicans in mostly opposing the other four legislative initiatives tested. Democrats, on the other hand, approve of all five, although to varying degrees.”

A clear majority of Democrats supported all initiatives. However, just 51 percent supported the bank bailout.

Recent Gallup polls show that Americans are as frustrated with congressional Republicans as they are with Democrats and that the prolonged economic downturn could be fueling their opposition to spending proposals passed by Congress.