And almost every week brings us reports of layoffs, especially in manufacturing. Some regions of America and some industries are doing better. But the trend is clear. And the need for action is urgent. His Treasury Secretary, Paul O'Neill told the National Association for Business Economics he is optimistic about the economy - that it is only in a lull.
Republicans say both are needed.
Although the White House did signal today that its controversial proposal to eliminate estate taxes may have to wait. In Washington, I'm John Dimsdale for Marketplace. Just four percent of those surveyed by the Conference Board in February thought business conditions would improve over the next six months. In March, more than 15 percent thought things would get better. The data comes from 5000 household surveys that contain five core questions.