House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “poisoned” the debate over a €487bn rescue package for the United States’ economy and caused the bill’s failure, Republicans said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “poisoned” the debate over a $700bn (€482bn) rescue package for the United States’ economy and caused the bill’s failure, Republicans said today.

Democrats in the US House of Representatives are expected to vote next week on a stripped-down resolution condemning President George Bush’s decision to send more forces to Iraq, but declaring support for the troops, according to party aides.