Obama Offers First Look at Massive Plan To Create Jobs

Obama's top economic advisers are working with congressional leaders, who say they would like to have legislation ready for the new president to sign on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20. But congressional sources expressed skepticism yesterday that a program of such size and scope could be passed in the two weeks after Congress returns to Washington on Jan. 6.

"That is our goal," said one House leadership aide. "The problem is reality."

Republicans in the House oppose Obama's plan, saying they favor a series of tax cuts that they say would put money in people's pockets and encourage businesses to expand domestically.

"Anyone who has talked to the American people knows that while they are hurting, they don't believe that more Washington spending is the answer," said Michael Steel, a spokesman for Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio).

Democrats said that even if a recovery act quickly passed the House early next year, it could take longer in the Senate, where fiscally conservative Republicans have expressed concern about adding to the soaring deficit with a massive new round of government spending. Even with at least 58 Democratic votes in the new Senate, Republicans could easily hold up a final vote, they said.

"Under the timelines being discussed, the only way we can get something done is with the cooperation of Republicans," a senior Senate Democrat said. "The dynamic hasn't changed."

Aides in both chambers said the timing of the legislation will depend on the details of what is likely to be a very complicated proposal.

"He is now just beginning to flesh out his ideas," the Senate Democrat said. "Despite some of the reporting that we're on the cusp of some agreement, that ain't true. There are not a lot of details yet."

In his address, Obama offered the first outline of how he wants to direct the public works spending.

The largest share would go to roads and bridges and could be used to accelerate long-delayed repairs and expansions. Responding to concerns that new transportation money might be caught up in red tape at the state level, Obama said states must quickly invest in road and bridge construction and repair or lose the federal dollars.

" 'Use it or lose it' is a very powerful tool for us," Rendell said yesterday.

Obama would also direct a "massive effort" to make federal buildings energy-efficient by replacing aging heating systems and installing efficient light bulbs. Obama said the effort to "green" the federal government would save taxpayers billions.