Obama 'confident' on economy vote

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US President Barack Obama says he is confident his $825bn (£576bn) economic recovery plan, which could save jobs, will be passed by Congress.

He was speaking ahead of a vote in the House of Representatives.

On Tuesday, Mr Obama met Republican lawmakers who had criticised the rescue package as being too expensive and unworkable.

Mr Obama said swift action was needed on the economy. He hoped his plan could clear Congress by mid-February.

"I am confident that we are going to get it passed," Mr Obama said as he met business leaders in the White House ahead of the vote.

Proposals include tax credits for firms that create jobs, tax cuts for 95% of American workers and extended unemployment benefits.

The president has pledged the plan will save or create three to four million jobs over the next few years.

Republicans lack the votes to defeat the stimulus bill on their own, but could slow its progress, especially in the Senate.

OBAMA STIMULUS PLAN Expand Medicaid: $87bnHelp state governments: $79bnHelp school districts: $41bnHigher unemployment benefits: $36bnRebuild roads: $30bnComputerise medical records: $20bnGreen electricity grid: $11bn <i>Source: House Appropriations Committee</i>

Mr Obama told Republican lawmakers that he did not expect 100% agreement from them, but urged them to "put politics aside".

"I don't expect 100% agreement from my Republican colleagues, but I do hope that we can all put politics aside and do the American people's business."

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, who was sworn in on Monday, has the task of trying to get the US economy back in shape.

The stimulus package also includes:<ul class="bulletList"><li>More than 3,000 miles of new electricity transmission lines would be laid down to improve the US power network </li><li>75% of public sector buildings would be made more energy-efficient, saving taxpayers $2bn a year </li><li>More than 2.5m homes would be "weatherized" (made more energy efficient) </li><li>Funds would be made available to improve or renovate 10,000 schools </li></ul>