> For its part, Congress has several options that should be considered
> forthwith, as conventional forms of fiscal stimulus are still available to
> boost demand. At a minimum, they include renewing the lapsed jobless
> insurance programs, providing more aid to state and local governments, and
> extending most of the tax cuts due to expire at year-end. Ideally, these
> measures should be accompanied by legislation that provides a credible
> plan to deal with the longer-term budget imbalance. But with economic
> prospects deteriorating rapidly, it is more important to avoid the
> restraint that will otherwise take hold if nothing is done.