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US President Barack Obama has called for urgent action on his $825bn ( 586bn)
economic recovery plan, saying the American people expect it.
Republican lawmakers are increasingly vocal in opposing the bill, complaining
it is too expensive and unworkable.
Amid talks with congressional Republicans to try to persuade them to accept the
plan, he said he did not expect 100% agreement from them.
But Mr Obama appealed to them to "put politics aside".
The president hopes his plan could clear Congress by mid-February.
"There are some legitimate philosophical differences with parts of my plan that
the Republicans have, and I respect that," Mr Obama said.
"In some cases they may just not be as familiar with what's in the package as I
would like.
"I don't expect 100% agreement from my Republican colleagues, but I do hope
that we can all put politics aside and do the American people's business."
He spoke to reporters after meetings with House of Representatives Republicans
and before another meeting with senators.
"The main message I have is that the statistics every day underscore the
urgency of the economic situation.
"The American people expect action."
Republican House leader John Boehner said after the Obama meeting: "I think we
both share a sincere belief that we have to have a plan that works."
Republicans lack the votes to defeat the stimulus bill on their own, but could
slow its progress, especially in the Senate.
'Unprecedented crisis'
Any decision will fall to the new Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, who was
sworn in on Monday, with the task of trying to get the US economy back in
shape.
President Obama has said his administration will be held accountable for the
success or failure of his stimulus plan.
He has described the US as being "in the midst of an unprecedented crisis" and
has announced:
down to improve the US power network
taxpayers $2bn a year
Other proposals include tax credits for firms that create jobs, tax cuts for
95% of American workers and extended unemployment benefits.
The president has pledged the plan "will save or create three to four million
jobs over the next few years".