Democrats oppose Obama plan

Some members of the United States Congress are criticising President-elect Barack Obama’s $800 billion economic stimulus plan.



Obama, who takes office in two weeks, wants to cut taxes and create jobs through increased government spending on public works projects.



However, senior members of his Democratic party are expressing scepticism that tax cuts will lead to growth and job creation.



They want more money spent on infrastructure and energy projects.



Obama says his plan should create 3 million jobs by 2011.



However new reports show that US job losses for 2008 are expected to reach 2.5 million.



Republicans have welcomed the tax cut element of the package, but have raised doubts about its impact on the budget deficit, which new figures show will reach $1.2 trillion this year.