What seems not to have occurred to members of Congress is that there is a way to boost the economy that not only doesn't require federal spending but actually reduces it: removing the drag caused by excessive, unscientific and net-negative regulation.
In this way, America's excessive debt burden is likely to drag down the economy, either by restraining demand for several years, or even by triggering a double-dip recession.
Expenses are paid regardless of how the fund performs and can drag down performance if fees are excessive, so it is important to consider fees in your investing decisions.