Pelosi: Economists Recommend Spending, Not GOP Tax Cuts, to Create Jobs

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is defending the Democratic plan to revive the economy and says Republican proposals will be judged by how well they create jobs.

Republicans are seeking tax help for small businesses and for some home buyers, and lowering some income tax rates.

Pelosi, a California Democrat, says such ideas will be judged by their ability to create jobs, their cost and their ability to help turn around the economy.

President Barack Obama plans to meet with Republicans this week on the stimulus plan. The House could vote on the $825 billion proposal after that meeting at the Capitol.

Pelosi describes the economy as “dark, darker, darkest almost.” She says Democrats have listened to economists and believe that new spending will create more jobs that would tax cuts.