Mr Obama's disapproval rating on the economy has risen from 30 per cent in February to 42 per cent, according to a Gallup poll completed May 31. Sensing weakness on a signature issue of Mr Obama's presidency, congressional Republicans are renewing their criticisms that the stimulus plan has not shown results, only mounting debt.

'This is President Obama's economy, and his administration must provide results and specifics rather than vague descriptions of success that seem to change by the week,' said Rep. Eric Cantor, the second-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives.

'The administration looks dramatically out of touch as they highlight the creation of temporary summer employment in the face of job losses unseen in decades, record unemployment and massive deficits.'

By any measure, spending $44 billion in less than four months, and with unprecedented openness, is an uncharacteristic feat in Washington: The $44 billion amounts to about 9 per cent of the stimulus money that is not going to tax cuts. The expectations have been even higher.

Several economists said on Monday the economy is unlikely to see much boost from the stimulus before next year.

Mr Obama answered his critics by announcing a list of stimulus projects, including many already previously outlined, saying the work will have a huge affect on the economy this summer.

There is money for expanded health services in local clinics; improvements in national parks and medical centers for veterans; money for police and school jobs; and more than 1,800 public works projects.