I headed down to the Speaker's Hallway, the ornate alcove at the end of Nancy Pelosi's (D-CA) office suite, for a scheduled media availability with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) on the economic recovery bill. But Pelosi never appeared; instead, a spokesman materialized to answer a few questions. This is part of the culture in the Capitol -- the best laid plans of press folks often go awry, leaving reporters to wait in vain outside meetings that start late and end later.

The Pelosi spokesman did confirm that a two-hour meeting took place with the panoply of House committee chairman involved in crafting the stimulus package: David Obey (D-WI) of Appropriations, James Obserstar (D-MN) of Transportation & Infrastructure, John Spratt (D-SC) of Budget, George Miller (D-CA) of Education & Labor, Henry Waxman (D-CA) of Energy & Commerce, and others.

That's an impressive list of "old bulls," as influential congressional chairman are often dubbed. Since the House is slated to start "marking up" the stimulus bill next week -- voting on amendments to the legislation and sending it to the floor for a final vote -- does that mean each of these chairman will get to hold their own hearings? Looks like that question has yet to be answered.