House Leaders Unveil Stimulus Checks

(The Politico)  House leaders from both parties took a break from the partisan infighting on Friday to hold a joint press conference announcing that the IRS would begin sending out rebate checks several days early.

In a rare display of both speed and bipartisan consensus, congressional leaders passed an economic stimulus bill in February which included rebate checks for most Americans with the hopes of stimulating the sluggish economy.

"Many Americans believe that Washington is broken," said House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio).

"I believe that this is a small step in the right direction to show the American people that Congress can work together with the administration."

Boehner, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) appeared at the press conference next to a giant novelty check for $1,800.

On Friday morning, President Bush announced that the checks will begin going out on Monday, several days earlier than expected.

Despite the sweetness and light on Friday, the two parties disagree on the way forward. Democrats are contemplating taking up a second stimulus package in the coming weeks which could include some combination of unemployment benefits, infrastructure spending, summer jobs programs, Medicaid funding and other domestic intiatives.

So far, Republicans have resisted a potential second stimulus, saying the first one needs time to take effect.

"The strain of the economic downturn on middle- and low-income families demands ... consideration of a second stimulus package," Pelosi said. "And we have begun some conversations with the administration and the Republicans on that."