This report provides an overview of the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 — also called the “Economic Stimulus Package.” Its primary objective is to provide federal funds and tax breaks so as to stimulate spending and foster economic growth during this time of deepening recession.

The stimulus package has several ambitious goals, including the infusion of funds into the economy, strengthening the nation’s social safety net, while jumpstarting efforts to usher in America’s health care, education, and energy future.