Bernanke, House Republicans to meet Tues on economy

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is scheduled to meet with Republican leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday to discuss the U.S. economy and housing market problems, House Minority Leader John Boehner said on Friday.

"We look forward to meeting with Chairman Bernanke to discuss the rising threat to our economy and the need for responsible action to address problems in our housing market," said Boehner, an Ohio Republican.

The meeting is tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT, according to an aide.

In announcing the meeting, Boehner sketched a dour economic situation: "The economy is struggling and American families and small businesses are increasingly feeling the squeeze of rising costs of living -- at the pump, in the grocery stores, and paying the bills in the office or at the kitchen table."

Boehner said House Republicans wanted to work with Bernanke, the Bush administration and Democrats in Congress "to stop threats to economic growth and American prosperity, both in the short-term and in the long run."

Boehner was a key player in negotiations on a $168 billion economic stimulus plan that was approved in early February.

Congress returns on Monday from a two-week recess. There are several measures pending that aim to help U.S. homeowners now facing foreclosure and to further stimulate the economy.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan)