THE BIG QUESTION — Tuesday, Dec. 30

The Big Question is a feature where influential lawmakers, pundits and interest group leaders give their answers to a question that’s driving discussion in news circles around the country.

Today’s Big Question is:

Is $850 billion too much, too little, or just right for the next economic stimulus package?

See responses below from House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Libertarian Party Chairman William Redpath, United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard, ATR President Grover Norquist, and Hudson Institute President Dr. Herbert London.

See the last Big Question here.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said:

Given current unemployment numbers and the prospect of a very long and painful recession, it is important that we enact an economic recovery package that will create jobs and boost our economy over the long term. Read the full response

William Redpath, chairman, Libertarian Party said:

The proposed $850 billion economic stimulus is too high by the portion of it that’s not a tax cut. Read the full response

Leo Gerard, international president, United Steelworkers said:

This moment demands bold action to avert a prolonged worldwide economic contraction. Congress must respond to this crisis with the investment of $900 billion in America over two years, at the very least. Read the full response

Grover Norquist, president, Americans for Tax Reform said:

When you are heading in the wrong direction the shortest trip is wisest. If you are doing something stunningly stupid, best to do only a smidgen of dumb. Read the full response

Dr. Herbert London, president Hudson Institute said:

Adding liquidity to the market in the form of an $850 billion stimulus package is absorb on several levels.

First, as long as there are not strings attached to this infusion of capital, there isn’t any way of knowing how or if the money will spent. Read the full response