This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/7875520.stm

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Obama denounces stimulus hold-up Obama denounces stimulus hold-up
(20 minutes later)
US President Barack Obama has said the Senate's delay in passing his $900bn (£616bn) economic stimulus package is "inexcusable and irresponsible".US President Barack Obama has said the Senate's delay in passing his $900bn (£616bn) economic stimulus package is "inexcusable and irresponsible".
The economic situation would become "a catastrophe" if the Senate failed to act promptly, he added in remarks prepared for delivery. He described the economic situation as "an urgent and growing crisis", which could become "a catastrophe" if the Senate failed to act.
The bill includes measures to cut taxes and invest in job creation.The bill includes measures to cut taxes and invest in job creation.
Moderate Democrat and Republican senators have argued that the plan should be trimmed by up to $90bn.Moderate Democrat and Republican senators have argued that the plan should be trimmed by up to $90bn.
Mr Obama described as "devastating" the news that nearly 600,000 Americans lost their jobs in January.
"The situation could not be more serious. These numbers demand action," he said.
Mr Obama's remarks came as he unveiled a new board of economic advisers, chaired by Paul Volcker, former chairman of the Federal Reserve.
"I created this board to enlist voices that come from beyond the echo chamber of Washington DC," said Mr Obama, "and to ensure that no stone is unturned as we work to put people back to work and to get our economy moving."