Democrats Want Jobs Bill by Dec. 18

4963930House Democrats would like to pass a jobs bill by Dec. 18, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told reporters today.

With unemployment rates surpassing 10 percent, Democrats say they are getting input from economists on the most effective ways to get more people back in the workforce, CBS News Capitol Hill Producer Jill Jackson reports.

Democrats are considering a range of ideas, Hoyer said, including providing aid to states, giving tax credits to employers as an incentive to hire more people and extending unemployment benefits or the federal subsidy of COBRA health insurance benefits.

Hoyer also said highway spending is on the table. The White House is not interested in signing the full extension of the federal highway spending program this year, which could create thousands of jobs but be very costly.

While he "would not characterize [the jobs bill] as a second stimulus," Hoyer said "we will not have the kind of recovery we want" as long as jobless rates remain so high, Jackson reports. Hoyer added that the bill will be very targeted, but he could not say how large the package will be.

Meanwhile, the White House announced yesterday it would host its "jobs summit" on Dec. 3 and that President Obama would subsequently tour the country to focus on the economy.

Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said today that "it's about time" Democrats start focusing on deficits and jobs, though he added that he was incredulous of their plans, Jackson reports.

"I say you've got to be kidding me," Cantor said. "They have for months now been about more spending, leaving a wake of deficits in their trails, and now they want to focus on what's important," he said.

Cantor added that he urges House Democrats to consider Republican solutions for job creation.