Top aides to President Barack Obama on Sunday urged Democratic and Republican lawmakers to set aside political differences and give anticipated final approval this week to a massive economic stimulus package, according to Reuters. "If there was ever a moment to transcend politics, this is that moment," Larry Summers, head of the White House National Economic Council, told "Fox News Sunday." Yet, with the world watching to see how the new president and Congress respond to the worst U.S. recession in 70 years, more political fireworks were certain at the U.S. Capitol. Squabbling will resume on Monday when the Democratic-led Senate, with the help of just a few Republicans, votes to end debate on an $827 billion rescue package and clear the way for passage of the measure on Tuesday. Negotiators will then seek to resolve differences between the Senate bill and an $819 billion version of the measure earlier passed by the House of Representatives witho5t any Republican support. Senator Charles Schumer of New York, a member of the Democratic leadership, told CNN's "State of the Union" that the House, Senate and the White House "all agree there has to be some give and take." Obama had demanded that a final bill be on his desk by next Monday to sign into law. The political drama is being played out as the Democratic and Republican parties are at odds ideologically, with both claiming popular support. Republicans stand accused of having driven the country into an economic mess under President George W. Bush, and of pushing a tax-cut agenda that failed to revive the economy and instead helped create a record federal deficit. Foes accuse Obama's Democrats of seizing on the economic crisis to pump cash into their pet projects and "big government" social agenda under the guise of creating jobs. The White House itself has been vague about what it wants other than a plan with enough support by Democrats and Republicans to win passace and create jobs. Appearing on CBS's "Face the Nation," Christina Romer, another top Obama fiscal adviser, said, "If we can get this (rescue) package through, we can turn it (the economy) around and be back on the road to growth."
