U.S.
President Barack Obama is calling on lawmakers to act on the economy with the
"same sense of urgency" most Americans feel every day.
Mr. Obama (Tuesday) urged Senators to pass an economic
stimulus package, promising the plan will allow the government to boost the
failing economy "swiftly" and "wisely."
The U.S. Senate is voting on amendments to the package today, at the same time
that the president opens the doors of his office to the media (for a series
of interviews with the major U.S. television networks) to promote the
almost 900-billion-dollar plan.
The Senate version of the plan has been criticized by members of the
president's own Democratic Party, as well as the Republican opposition.
Democratic lawmakers say they want the package to do more for struggling
homeowners, while Republicans argue more tax cuts are needed to encourage
spending.