Democrats Prepared To Waive Pay-go In Stimulus Package

House Democrats are prepared to set aside their balanced budget rules to advance an economic stimulus package to jump start the sagging economy. 

Leading Democrats suggested they are willing to waive pay-as-you-go budget rules in order to negotiate with the White House and pass legislation to give the economy a short-term boost.

"Pay-go  is inconsistent with trying to resolve a recession," Ways and Means Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.) said.

The decision is inconsistent with a campaign pledge Democratic leaders in the Housemade before wresting control of the chamber from the GOP in the 2006 election, but it gives members of the majority more room to negotiate with the White House and makes it easier to pass eventual legislation.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and her fellow Democratic leaders are waiting to unveil the specifics of the House Democrats' plan in order to negotiate in good faith with President Bush, who returns to Washington Wednesday from an extended trip to the Middle East.

“The economic downturn demands immediate, bipartisan action from Congress and the President to get our economy back on track," Democratic leaders said in a joint statement issued Tuesday night. "We are working to find common ground with President Bush and Congressional Republicans to craft a bipartisan stimulus plan that is timely, targeted, and temporary.

At the speaker's request, Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (Ill.) are scheduled to meet with Minority Leader John A. Boehner and Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) Wednesday afternoon at 2 to discuss "provisions of the stimulus package."