1.   The ten trillion-yen stimulus package recently announced by the ministry of finance will expand public works spending and help the flagging construction industry.

2.   Almost no one expected stocks to recover as quickly as they have, especially given the failure of Congress to pass a stimulus package to aid the economy.

3.   Although he vowed to strengthen the economy, the lack of emphasis on that issue may have reflected a desire to go slow on any sweeping economic stimulus package.

4.   An economic stimulus package passed in the coming months, he said, would be too late to affect the economy before it begins picking up on its own.

5.   An expensive stimulus package now could overheat the economy, increase the national debt, worsen budget deficits and waste funds that could help needed programs.

6.   An economic stimulus package announced last week by the Japanese government briefly assuaged fears that the bank crisis would spin out of control.

7.   An economic stimulus package has to address the underlying weaknesses in the economy that are discouraging investment and lowering consumer confidence.

8.   An official declaration that a recession has started would increase the pressure on Congress and the administration to come to agreement on an economic stimulus package.

9.   And Congress approved an economic stimulus package that clears the way for millions of unemployed Americans to get extended benefits.

10.   And he again called on Congress to pass an economic stimulus package this year.