Bush, Bernanke Endorse Economic Stimulus Package

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 17: Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke testifies during the House Budget hearing on the economy. Bernanke and President Bush on Thursday endorsed the idea of an economic stimulus package to boost the flagging economy, as Bush began discussions with congressional leaders on the next steps. Bush plans to give a speech Friday outlining his principles for a stimulus package, according to the White House press office. Previously, Bush had been expected to wait until his Jan. 28 State of the Union address to lay out his ideas for spurring an economy rocked by a housing crisis, credit crunch, sky-high energy costs and rising unemployment. (Photo by Scott J. Ferrell/Congressional Quarterly)