Congressman Sam Graves began his fifth U.S. House term Tuesday in the position of having to judge an unknown possible solution to an economically dire problem.

Lawmakers took their oaths in the 111th Congress amid talk of an economic stimulus package, one with fuzzy details and a suggested cost approaching $1 trillion.

Mr. Graves, a Republican representing Northwest Missouri, finds little meat in the discussions so far.

"They know that there is a lot of trouble getting votes to come up with a package that nobody's even seen yet," he said.

The lawmaker from Tarkio said he believed action on a stimulus bill stood at least a month away, with proposals still in flux and congressional committees still organizing.

He hopes the eventual package contains tax incentives that nudge businesses toward expansion.

"That does a lot to stimulate the economy because those small businesses will invest in themselves ... and that will mean more jobs," Mr. Graves said. "The flip side of that is if you tax job creation, you're not going to have it."

Mr. Graves takes a more senior role this session with his elevation as ranking member (the top Republican) of the House Small Business Committee. Having served on the committee his previous four terms, the lawmaker said he would continue working to limit the burdens federal authorities impose on small businesses.

The committee chairwoman, Democrat Nydia M. Velázquez, represents parts of New York City, but Mr. Graves said she shares his view of the importance of small businesses to the economy. The two worked together in passing a Graves-initiated bill involving venture capital in the Small Business Innovation Research program.

"I don't think it will be terribly contentious. I have a lot of respect for her," the Missourian said.

While words of bipartisanship spilled out on the session's first day, a party-line vote accompanied the passage of new House rules. Mr. Graves voted on the short side of a 242 to 181 roll call, saying Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wanted rules that would limit debate on amendments.

"They're already limited anyway," he said. "Now she's making it even tougher."

Along with Mr. Graves, Lynn Jenkins recited the oath Tuesday. The congresswoman representing Northeast Kansas beat Democrat Nancy Boyda in November for the 2nd District seat.

"The folks in Kansas, and across the country, made it clear that they want fresh ideas and new leadership," the Republican said in a statement. "I am ready to roll up my sleeves, put partisan politics aside and get to work."

Ken Newton can be reached at kenn@npgco.com.