House to seek quick economic stimulus passage

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The House of Representatives plans a post-election session to debate a new economic stimulus bill, a high-ranking Democratic aide said on Wednesday, but it was unclear whether the measure would be enacted.

The Democratic Party's success in expanding its majorities in the House and Senate in Tuesday's election may give impetus to legislation aimed at creating new jobs quickly, even before Democrat Barack Obama takes over as U.S. president on January 20.

"We can't wait the several months it will take for a new administration," said a House Democratic leadership aide who asked not to be identified. "The American people are hurting and so is the economy."

In February, Congress and Republican President George W. Bush enacted a $168 billion economic stimulus measure, largely made up of tax rebates.

The aide said it was the "intention" of House leaders to hold a short post-election session in the week of November 16 to debate a stimulus bill.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has scheduled a press conference for later on Wednesday but it was unclear whether she would announce that she was calling the House back into session.

At the very least, incumbent and newly elected members of the next Congress, which convenes in January, are scheduled to come to Washington during the week of November 16 to elect leaders and organize committees.

Pelosi is on record wanting a huge infusion of federal funds to help turn around an ailing U.S. economy that may have slipped into recession with rising unemployment and contracting gross domestic product.

Pelosi has talked about the need for $150 billion in new stimulus that would focus on creating jobs through construction projects, extending jobless benefits and food stamps for the poor, and giving more federal aid to states.

But the House aide said the size of a bill has not yet been settled by leaders.

Obama also backs additional funds to stimulate the economy. His proposals have been estimated to cost around $190 billion.

The aide said Democrats were "still unsure about resistance" from Senate Republicans, who blocked a stimulus measure before Congress recessed for the month of October. At the time, Bush also opposed the Democratic economic proposals.

An aide to House Minority Leader John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, said Pelosi had not discussed a new stimulus bill with him.

Recently, the White House has shown somewhat more openness to a bill but maybe not in the way Democrats were crafting it.

But with the economy continuing to slump, Democrats are hoping they will see rising support for spending the emergency money despite record U.S. budget deficits.

(Editing by John O'Callaghan)