Obama urges Republicans to support economic plan

U.S. President Barack Obama met with Republicans on Tuesday in an effort to win their support for the $825-billion US economic stimulus package.

In two hours of meetings at the Capitol, Obama attempted to convince Republicans that swift, bipartisan action is needed.

"I don't expect 100 per cent agreement from my Republican colleagues, but I do hope that we can all put politics aside and do the American people's business right now," Obama told reporters while shuttling between separate meetings with House and Senate Republicans.

But the president added: "The American people expect action."

Shortly after the meetings, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the package's prospects were good. "I think we will have Republican support for this bill," he said.

Congress is expected to vote on the economic stimulus package on Wednesday.

The bill can potentially pass the Democratic-dominated House without Republican support, but at least two Republicans will need to approve it for a filibuster-proof majority vote of 60.

Before Obama had even entered the building on Tuesday, top Republicans had urged party members to reject the bill unless significant alterations were made to eliminate wasteful spending.

Republicans have complained the bill is too tilted toward spending and doesn't contain enough tax relief.

Republicans who attended the sessions said the president did not agree to any specific changes to the legislation, but agreed to have his aides consider two additional tax relief measures for businesses.

Agreement on some issues

John Boehner, the Republican House leader, said fundamental differences remained between the president and Republicans over how to deal with the economic tailspin. But he added they also agreed on several issues.

Republicans were pleased that Obama came to the Capitol to consult with the legislators, Boehner said.

"We both share a sincere belief that we have to have a plan that works, that will revive our economy, create jobs and help preserve jobs in our country," Boehner said.

The president has been arguing for weeks that time is of the essence for the package which is meant to help address soaring unemployment rates, declining house prices and flailing consumer confidence.

Debate began late Tuesday on a measure, which includes about $550 billion in spending and roughly $275 billion in tax cuts.

Democrats made one small change, voting to delete $20 million intended for renovating the National Mall, which Republicans had criticized as wasteful.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, traditionally more bipartisan than the House, a companion bill grew to roughly $900 billion. That included a new tax break for upper middle-income taxpayers, at a one-year cost of $70 billion.

Obama hopes to have the economic package signed into law by mid-February.