House to seek about $500 billion economic stimulus

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats in the House of Representatives likely will seek passage next month of an economic stimulus bill costing about $500 billion, a House Democratic aide said on Monday.

The aide said the package would include the cost of a middle-class tax cut that President-elect Barack Obama wants, billions of dollars for road, bridge and mass transit construction, aid to states and investments in renewable energy development.

Earlier on Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters she hoped Congress would have an economic stimulus bill ready for Obama to sign when he takes office on January 20. She did not provide details.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan, Editing by Sandra Maler)