Some lawmakers hope to pass recovery package by Jan. 20
Advisers for President-elect Barack Obama are working to finish an economic recovery plan by Christmas and hope Democratic congressional staff members can draft legislation very quickly. "The goal for completing action on this important legislation should be as close to Jan. 20 as possible," stated an e-mail message from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's office to senior Senate Democratic staff members. The recovery package, which is expected to include infrastructure projects, could total just under $1 trillion. New York Times (free registration), The (12/18)