As a final caveat to our forum discussion, please see this IHT article
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/11/america/12stimulus.php
and note the first paragragh where it says:
“House and Senate leaders on Wednesday struck a deal on a $789 billion economic stimulus bill after little more than 24 hours of rapid-fire negotiations with the Obama administration...”
Spending bills are specified as the domain of Congress according to the Constitution, yes, but please don’t ignore the other part of the Constitution about the requirement of the President’s signature.
All spending bills include negotiations with the President so laying debts and deficits soley at the foot of Congress is a half truth.