WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives failed to resolve their differences and chances of an economic stimulus bill being passed this year have fallen by the wayside. TheNew York Timesreported that Congress ended the year with "dramatic inaction on the economy."

Congressional leaders said that that they would take up the legislation again in January when they return from recess.

Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-IL) stated that he would like the president to call Congress back into session on Jan. 2, three weeks ahead of schedule, to deal with this issue. Senator Tom Daschle (D-SD), the Senate majority leader, indicated that he also would be agreeable to getting back to the issue early next year.

President Bush, however, said he would not call Congress back early from the holiday break.

Publication date: 12/24/2001