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Obama: trillion-dollar deficits may last years

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-07 12:06

President-elect Barack Obama greets visitors on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, as he walks to meet with Congressional Republican and Democratic leader. [Agencies]

WASHINGTON -- President-elect Barack Obama says the nation probably faces huge deficits for years to come, but heavy spending is needed now to spur the economy.

Obama said Tuesday the deficit appears on track to hit $1 trillion soon. Speaking to reporters after meeting with top economic aides, Obama said: "Potentially we've got trillion-dollar deficits for years to come, even with the economic recovery that we are working on."

He wants Congress to approve a stimulus plan of about $775 billion.

The federal deficit was about $455 billion when the last fiscal year ended on Sept. 30, 2008.