WASHINGTON — As the U.S. House moved toward a vote on an $825 billion economic stimulus package, Rep. Frank Lucas said today that he would oppose it because of its high cost and spending that he said won't lead to more jobs.

"I agree in principle that (a stimulus package) should be a combination of tax cuts and spending,'' said Lucas, R-Cheyenne, the senior member of the state delegation in the House.
But he questioned spending billions on long-range projects that could have little immediate impact.

"The spending should be short-term, directed activity to get a quick response,'' Lucas said in an interview.

He said the bill to be voted upon tonight does not include a rumored provision that would use stimulus money to buy out dairy cows — a move that would threaten the cost of beef cattle.

All four of the Republican House members from Oklahoma are expected to vote against the stimulus package today. A spokesman for Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, said she will oppose it.

Rep. Dan Boren, D-Muskogee, said Tuesday he is leaning toward supporting it, though he had some misgivings.

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