U.S. economic stimulus to cost $850 billion

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An economic stimulus bill being crafted by Democratic leaders in the U.S. Congress and aides to President-elect Barack Obama will cost about $850 billion (£582 billion), according to a government source.

The source, who asked not to be identified, did not provide other details of the bill, which could be unveiled on Thursday.

But the measure is expected to contain a combination of tax cuts and government financing for construction projects around the country, in addition to aid to states with the goal of creating or maintaining 3 million jobs and halting a year-long economic recession.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)