Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008

House Democratic leaders appear to be moving toward bringing a $100 billion economic stimulus package to the floor during a lame-duck session the week of Nov. 17, according to senior Democratic sources. Although details and timing are being worked out, aides said a package in that price range was discussed Tuesday, with leaders talking about including federal matching funds for state Medicaid programs, an extension of unemployment benefits, expanded food stamp spending and money for infrastructure projects. All were part of the Democrats' effort to pass a second economic stimulus measure earlier this year.

Senior sources said infrastructure spending discussions are focused on alternative energy projects, the national electricity grid, expanding broadband Internet access and creating "green" jobs. Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., proposed a number of steps to expand broadband access in a memo last week to House Speaker Pelosi and Education and Labor Chairman George Miller, who backed the concept in a committee hearing last week. According to a copy of the memo obtained by CongressDaily, Eshoo proposed including tax incentives for companies to expand infrastructure, a direct FCC spectrum auction predicated on buyers promising to build broadband networks that could serve 95 percent of the country within 10 years or creation of a $5 billion "broadband bonds" program modeled after a program used to expand the nation's railroad system. (See related stories, pages 4,5).

Business interests continue to push for inclusion of programs to help small businesses, the auto industry and mortgage-related matters. In written testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee today, Rachelle Bernstein, a vice president of the National Retail Federation, asked for inclusion of a second round of tax rebate checks or other direct relief for consumers. But leadership sources said that idea does not appear to have much support among top Democrats or the Bush administration. With the Senate scheduled to come back Nov. 17-21 for a lame-duck session, House consideration is hinging at least partially on whether Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois wins the election. The extent of Democratic wins in the House and Senate remains a major factor. It is not clear whether President Bush would sign off on a second package or tie its fate to other administration priorities, such as the Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

by Christian Bourge, with Kasie Hunt contributing