Obama stimulus includes port security

Obama stimulus includes port security

Obama

   President Barack Obama warned Saturday that the unemployment rate could reach double digits if government doesn't embark on a massive plan of spending and tax cuts to promote economic activity.
   In his weekly radio address, Obama offered more details about his version of an economic stimulus plan that he said would be at least $825 billion.
   He reiterated his interest in 'repairing and modernizing' highways and bridges as part of a large infrastructure spending component that also targets alternative energy generation, expansion of electrical transmission capacity, weatherizing federal buildings and broadband access. And he mentioned for the first time that infrastructure priorities include bolstering security systems at 90 major ports.
   In their stimulus plan released earlier this month, House Democrats propose $100 million for U.S. Customs to upgrade and replace 20 pieces of older non-intrusive inspection equipment used to scan cargo containers that no longer work properly or meet current performance standards.
   Obama is scheduled to go to Capitol Hill this week to meet with members of both parties to push his stimulus plan. ' Eric Kulisch