A U.S. Army soldier from 3/1 AD Task Force Bulldog uses his night vision equipment before an early morning joint patrol with Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers in a village in Kherwar district in Logar province, eastern Afghanistan, May 22, 2012. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui

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Maxim Hot 100

The world's most beautiful women as chosen by Maxim readers.  Slideshow 

A cross is seen in Joplin, Missouri May 17, 2012. May 22 marks the one year anniversary of a deadly EF-5 tornado that ripped through the town, killing 161 people. The tornado damaged or destroyed about 7,500 homes and 500 other buildings, but the city is now well into a recovery mode that has spurred some segments of the local economy. REUTERS/Eric Thayer (UNITED STATES - Tags: DISASTER ENVIRONMENT RELIGION)

Joplin, one year after

May 22 marks the one year anniversary of a deadly tornado that ripped through Joplin, Missouri, killing 161 people.  Slideshow 

Pelosi vows more stimulus if needed

WASHINGTON | Thu Jan 24, 2008 6:20pm EST

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday she was not totally pleased with a $150 billion economic stimulus package unveiled on Thursday, and vowed further action if needed to boost the country's flagging economy.

"I can't say that I'm totally pleased with the package, but I do know that it will help stimulate the economy, and if it does not then there will be more to come," she said at a news conference announcing the economic plan.

Pelosi said the package would be brought to a Congressional vote as quickly as possible, and urged bipartisan support to ensure that tax rebates reach consumers as soon as possible.

A fact sheet released by the California Democrat said that under the proposed stimulus plan, 117 million U.S. families would receive a tax rebate check. Individuals would get tax relief of up to $600, while married couples would see help of up to $1,200, plus $300 per child.

Many Democrats had hoped that the deal would include other forms of aid, such as additional food stamps or an extension in the amount of time that people could collect unemployment benefits. Pelosi said that she had discussed the matter with President George W. Bush, and expressed her hope that the government would address unemployment insurance, Medicaid and "other issues that spring from a weakened economy."

"Should our economy continue to worsen, we will not hesitate to advance additional legislation ... to respond to the economic pressures affecting the American people," Pelosi said.

(Reporting by Emily Kaiser; Editing by James Dalgleish)

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