It's about time. And we can only hope it's not too late.

Amid fears that exploding energy costs and the subprime mortgage crisis are dragging the U.S. economy toward a recession, Congress and the White House are rushing to provide short-term relief for a long-term problem.

All — liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans alike — agree something needs to be done quickly.

"Fiscal stimulus that comes too late will not help support economic activity in the near term, and it could be actively destabilizing if it comes at a time when growth is already improving," Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke warned.

There appears to be broad consensus on at least one of the solutions: tax rebates that would jolt the economy with a burst of consumer spending.

The question is, who should benefit from the stimulus package?

Should rebates go mostly to low-income and middle-class people who would be more likely to immediately spend the windfall than those who are more affluent? Should increased unemployment benefits be offered?

Or should the effort be broader, as President Bush proposes, to include incentives for businesses to create more jobs?

Bipartisanship and fear will not keep the White House and Congress from quarreling over the details. But for once, they need to put aside their longstanding political differences and act. Quickly.