McCain pumps up economic proposals

John McCain, battered by his Democratic rivals in recent weeks for not offering more help for penny-pinching families, is laying out a more robust economic plan today.

The presumptive Republican nominee, who had in a high-profile speech argued against government bailouts of irresponsible homeowners or lenders, proposes a program to give "every deserving American family or homeowner the opportunity to trade a burdensome mortgage for a manageable loan that reflects the market value of their home."

"There is nothing more important than keeping alive the American dream to own your home, and priority number one is to keep well meaning, deserving home owners who are facing foreclosure in their homes," he is to say at a small business roundtable in Brooklyn, N.Y., according to prepared remarks issued by his campaign.

He is also calling for a US Justice Department task force to investigate possible criminal wrongdoing in the foreclosure crisis.

To keep the lid on record-high gas prices, McCain urges that the government stop adding to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and says in the longer term, he would push to diversify America's energy consumption, "including a robust expansion of nuclear power."

He pledges next week to outline a long-term vision to build the economy, which polls show is the most important issue to voters.

"For Americans, a good job is the best program for housing, education, clothing, health care and transportation ever devised," McCain says in the prepared remarks. A strong, growing economy with good jobs is central to everything we want for America."