Obama's team mulls $1 trillion stimulus program: WSJ

Image
Press Trust of India New York
Last Updated : Jan 20 2013 | 10:54 PM IST

President-elect Barack Obama's team is considering an economic stimulus program of up to $1 trillion to revive the economy, a media report says.

Quoting people familiar with the process the Wall Street Journal said: "Obama's economic team is considering an economic stimulus program that will be far larger than the two-year, half-trillion-dollar plan under consideration two weeks ago."

The daily further said: "Obama aides and advisers have set $600 billion over two years as "a very low-end estimate", and the final number is expected to be significantly higher, possibly between $700 billion and $1 trillion over two years.

However, transition spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter denied that any decisions have been made on the scope of the plan and the newspaper quoted her as saying "any speculation on size or scope is premature at this time".

Christina Romer, who will lead Obama's Council of Economic Advisers, is trying to build political consensus around a larger number before it is presented to Congress in early January, WSJ added.

As economic conditions worsen, Obama economists now say the package will have to be larger than expected to ensure the needed stimulus actually reaches the economy.

"The economic team would brief Obama next week, largely about the size of the package. Discussions are still under way about content," the report said. Obama is scheduled to take office on January 20.

On the upper bounds, liberal economists in the team have staked out $600 billion in the first year and $300 billion to $600 billion in the second, depending on economic conditions in 2010, the WSJ said.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Dec 14 2008 | 7:54 PM IST

Next Story