President Emphasizes Need for Economic Stimulus

THE PRESIDENT: I was just informed that the Senate will not vote out a stimulus package. I'm very disappointed. There's a lot of workers who hurt, and they need help. Our economy, while there's some good news, needs more stimulus. I still think we need to pass a bill that will help workers and help stimulate the economy. You know, we got a good bill out of the House and I believe that we had a good chance to get a good bill out of the Senate last fall, there was enough votes to pass the bill. And I'm just disappointed. I think -- I think we need a good stimulus package.

Q -- for a regular breakfast this week?

THE PRESIDENT: No, no, we're meeting next week. But, I mean, I don't need to have a meeting, a breakfast to express my disappointment; I'm disappointed. I think people need to -- workers need help and I think we need to stimulate the economy with some wise policy. And we're working hard on this issue. I talked about it -- gosh, I remember going to the midwest to talk about it; I think I talked about in the midwest right after the attacks. We've been working with both Republicans and Democrats to try to forge a good package. You know, I'm just sorry it hasn't happened. I hope they do reconsider and pass a good bill.

Q (Inaudible.)

THE PRESIDENT: I can't hear you.

Q Are you saying they're not listening?

THE PRESIDENT: You need to talk to them. I'm just -- what I'm saying is I'm disappointed we don't have a package. Workers need help and we need to stimulate the economy.

Thank you all.

END 4:10 P.M. EST

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