Welcome to the first Leader's Report of 2008. I hope you and your families had a happy holiday season. The House of Representatives convened its Second Session on Tuesday, and Democrats will continue to fight to bring change to America in 2008. We plan to address economic insecurity, strengthen our national security and refocus on the fight against terrorism, and take bold action on global warming. I am hopeful Republicans and Democrats will work together to make real progress for the American people and address our country's priorities in a bipartisan way.  | Hoyer and the House Democratic Leadership met with
the Republican Leadership yesterday to discuss a
bipartisan economic stimulus plan. |
Of the many issues Democrats will focus on this year, few are more pressing than the economic challenges facing our nation. With unemployment and home foreclosures up and the costs of gas, health care and groceries increasing, Americans are rightly concerned about their economic security. Democrats are working with President Bush and Congressional Republicans to craft a timely, targeted economic stimulus package that will be effective. We agree that we must produce a stimulus quickly, so that we can get the economy moving again, and that it must be temporary so that it doesn't hurt our long-term fiscal positions. As the economy slows down and health care costs continue to rise, Democrats believe it is more important than ever to make health care more accessible and affordable for all Americans, particularly to low-income children who often need help the most. As part of this effort, the House will take up the President's second veto of the Children's Health Insurance Program next week. | 
