http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/13/congress.stimulus/index.htmlBut in their letter to Pelosi, Boehner wrote, "nothing currently being discussed by the majority as 'stimulus' will stabilize the economy long-term."
"Nothing being discussed will ease the uncompetitive nature of our nation's tax rates. Nothing being discussed will bring a single dollar of private capital into our markets, which would help stabilize and restore American families' savings and retirement accounts. And nothing being discussed will help small businesses compete and thrive," Boehner wrote.
Instead, House Republicans proposed a number of measures that, they say, will "turn the corner towards real economic growth," including:
Removing legal barriers to speed up new offshore oil drilling. A law banning offshore drilling expired October 1, but Republican lawmakers say lawsuits could block new offshore rigs and want judges to quickly rule on the cases.
* Lowering taxes on income that U.S. corporations earn from their overseas subsidiaries.
* Eliminating capital gains taxes on the sale of homes up to $500,000 for a couple.
* Suspending capital gains taxes on securities purchased during the next two years.
* Extending government deposit insurance to business transaction accounts.
* Directing the government to guarantee inter-bank loans
The stimulus package the Democrats are now working on would work differently: It could provide states with funds to cover mandatory Medicaid sending, which would help state governments avoid cuts to education and other programs, Democratic leadership aides said.
The aides also said the stimulus package could provide funds to help states struggling with their own budgets, as well as infrastructure money, an extension of unemployment benefits, food stamps and more money for low-income energy assistance -- all measures that have passed the House before.