US President Barack Obama held talks on Friday with Congress leaders, a move to ease concerns over the US$825 billion stimulus package.

"I recognize that there are still some differences around the table and between the administration and members of Congress about particular details on the plan," said the new president.

"But I think what unifies this group is a recognition that we are experiencing an unprecedented, perhaps, economic crisis that has to be dealt with, and dealt with rapidly," he added.

Many Republicans turned against the large stimulus package. And after the meeting with Obama, House Republican Leader John Boehner said he and his colleagues told the president they feel the stimulus package is too expensive and too slow.

(Xinhua News Agency January 24, 2009)