While Congress may delay the February 17th conversion to digital TV, you still need to use any coupons you already have before they expire.
I noticed that my digital tv coupons were expiring on 1/29 so I went out during lunch today to pick up my second converter box. Target had a $49.99 model and a $59.99 model. This past weekend, I went to a local Radio Shack and they had just one model in stock that they were selling for for $54.99.
The converter boxes seem similar to cable/satellite boxes in that they come with their own remote control to change the channels. Some models have a universal remote control so you can also turn your TV set on/off with the same remote.
If you have not already applied for your $40 government card for a converter box, you can still get on a waiting list. The site says they are out of money, but may issue additional cards as previously issued coupons expire.