WASHINGTON — The federal government should use existing programs to help workers displaced by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks rather than experimenting in an emergency, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao said Tuesday.

Chao

        President Bush has proposed extending unemployment insurance benefits by 13 weeks in states directly affected in the attacks or states where the unemployment rate has increased by 30 percent. The administration also would provide $3 billion in emergency grants so governors could help workers afford health care, child care or job training.

        Job losses of more than 140,000 in the aviation industry and thousands more in the tourism and hospitality industries since the attacks have pushed the economy closer to recession. Lawmakers are weighing an economic-stimulus package to boost the economy but debating whether to focus on tax cuts, benefit programs or federal spending.

        “Workers need help now, not down the road,” Ms. Chao told the House Education and the Workforce Committee. “And the president's plan achieves that by creatively expanding the current programs that the department has, instead of starting from scratch.”

        In the president's proposal, governors would have the flexibility to use some of the $3 billion to pay 75 percent of displaced workers' health care premiums, job training costs, or extend unemployment insurance benefits if the state does not already qualify for an immediate extension because of the attacks.

        Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, the committee's chairman, said few areas of the country have been spared from the consequences of Sept. 11. He pointed to layoff announcements by GE Aircraft Engines and Delta Air Lines in Greater Cincinnati.

        “We will do everything in our power to help every worker return to work as quickly as possible — and in the meantime, that they and their families have adequate relief,” Mr. Boehner said. The West Chester Republican has introduced the president's relief proposal in the House.

        Some Democrats have faulted House Republicans for concentrating on corporate tax breaks and a $15 billion bailout for the airline industry before helping displaced workers. Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., said thousands of low-income and part-time workers are suffering because of the economic downturn.

        “These families need help now,” he said.

        Rep. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, the House liaison to the White House, said lawmakers ought to put aside political differences and promote economic growth at a time of crisis. He said no single provision would repair the economy but that tax breaks have the best chance of succeeding.

        “This will not be the magic bullet that will pull us out of what looks like a recession,” the Terrace Park Republican said. “But Congress ought to step up to the plate.”

2 guilty in morgue photo case
Amid anthrax scares, local agencies prepare for real thing
Anthrax pranksters face prosecution, Allen says
Fears similar to '62 missile crisis
Feds to audit airport-security firms
Accused boy says he kneed sister
Cranley pushing vote on housing
Fuller, Luken trade barbs over riots and aftermath
Generations spar in ads for city candidates
Money will await some graduates
Neighborhood build-up plans take two views
Political Notebook
Teen pleads guilty in tot's shooting
Tristate A.M. Report
HOWARD: Some Good News
SAMPLES: Clean politics
Clermont County clinic among 90 to get threats
Fight intensifies over hospital move
Hospital plans argued by two jurisdictions
Loveland hires assistant city manager
Mason teacher talks resume
Pupils honor deceased principal
Chao: Existing programs suitable for those in need
Pioneering lawmaker honored
Taft urges increase in taxes
ABA jolts bench hopes
Adult 'zone' discussed
Death-penalty foes get forum
Highlands graduate tested
Madison Theater to unveil face lift
New chief begins with outreach
No vaccine, so flu shots off at present
PETA wants to keep Morrow trainer from regaining license