U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle says he will withdraw President George Bush's economic stimulus package from consideration by the Senate Wednesday, because lawmakers cannot reach a compromise.

The Democratic senator made the statement Tuesday in Washington. Democrats want to bolster the weakened U.S. economy by giving greater benefits to laid-off workers, while Republicans have called for larger tax cuts.

Mr. Daschle said Republicans Senators have made it clear that they are unwilling to compromise - in his words, "they do not want a stimulus package unless it is their stimulus package."

President Bush said Tuesday he was disappointed with Senator Daschle's decision.

Economists disagree on whether the stimulus package is necessary. U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill said Tuesday the economy needs a boost, although he expects it to get back to normal by April. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan recently said the economy would likely recover without a stimulus package.

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