1. What was the outcome of the House vote on the Democrats' $800 billion stimulus bill (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009)?

2. Why did Republican Rep. Michael McCaul vote against the stimulus bill?

3. Why did Republican Rep. Mike Pence oppose the Democrats' bill?

4. What type of bill did House Republican Leader John Boehner say would best help stimulate the economy?

5. How did Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi react to the passage of the stimulus bill?

6. a) What is the purpose of the stimulus bill, according to President Obama?
b) What is the purpose of the stimulus bill, according to Democrat Rep. James Clyburn?

7. a) Define stimulus.
b) Re-read some of the items in the stimulus bill that Republicans oppose (from paragraphs 5 and 7).  Do you think that the items included in the bill that Republicans oppose will help to stimulate the economy? Explain your answer.

8. Challenge question: Read a commentary on the stimulus plan by economist Thomas Sowell. Do you agree or disagree with Dr. Sowell's assertions? Explain your answer.  (Read the commentary at humanevents.com.)