The top Democrat on Capitol Hill says Congress will tap unused funds from the Wall Street bailout to pay for new spending on infrastructure projects and other steps aimed at boosting jobs.

California Democrat Nancy Pelosi said money from the bailout should be used to pay for jobs legislation that would funnel billions of dollars to road, bridge and other infrastructure projects and also help struggling state and local governments retain public employees such as firefighters, police officers and teachers. She also promised help for small businesses.

About $140 billion in bailout money remains uncommitted, and the administration has been wary of using it for other purposes. But Pelosi's comments come after administration officials have privately softened that stance.