Pelosi: Democrats will be accountable for spending

[January 29, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says that while critics may quibble with some elements of spending in the $819 billion economic rescue plan, Democrats were willing to act -- and Republicans were not.

Discussing the plan that the House approved on a strictly party line vote, Pelosi acknowledged Republican criticism that large sums of money are set aside for favored Democratic programs such as aid to education and Medicare. But she said "we are definitely stepping up to the plate to say we'll be accountable."

The California Democrat also said that Republicans are failing on the policy aspects of reviving the struggling economy.

In an interview broadcast Thursday on CBS's "The Early Show," Pelosi said Republicans "have had their chance. They decided to oppose. That's their choice."

[Associated Press; By ANDREW TAYLOR]

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