for re-authorization of the aforementioned act. Original funding for the "authorization for the program expired in 2006" followed by Congress providing one year extensions in the intervening periods. The funding was distributed to states "to improve cooperative relationships among—the people that use and care for Federal land". Cost The Act increased the statutory limit on the public debt by US$700 billion to US$11.3 trillion. However, the legislation is designed to have a net zero long-term cost, and includes language that mandates the President and Congress to develop a plan to recoup any money that is not recouped within 5 years. Reception Supporters of the bill believed that it was necessary in "preventing the collapse of the financial system and a deep recession". Critics asserted that the bill "unfairly benefited investors" while also failing to provide an adequate response to the economic crisis of the time. Journalists commented that portions of the bill contained earmarks and pork barrel spending. References External links House roll call vote United States federal financial legislation United States federal taxation legislation United States federal health legislation Acts of the 110th United States Congress Troubled Asset Relief Program Renewable energy law October 2008 events in the United States