Stimulus plan placed on the fast track

WASHINGTON — Congressional Democratic leaders said Tuesday that they feel urgency to enact an economic stimulus plan and are confident they can work with President Bush to get one done quickly.

“The urgency that we feel at home is now even more urgent as we see the impact of our markets on others,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said after lawmakers of both parties met with Bush at the White House.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the goal is to get a deal through Congress and on Bush’s desk within roughly three to four weeks, before lawmakers break for the Presidents Day recess. Earlier, Bush himself said he was confident that Congress and the administration will be able to approve a stimulus package to jump-start the economy and calm fears of recession that have shaken financial markets worldwide.