Despite a certain watered-down quality to much the legislation passed so far during the 111th Congress, it stands as the most successful and progressive Congress since the 89th Congress, a full forty-five years ago. If you doubt me, check any of the congresses in between. But, as I have said, I believe the administration has reached the end point. Significant progress cannot be made on energy, on climate, on immigration reform, or on stimulus. Unless you consider letting the Bush tax cuts on the top 3% of earners sunset to be significant progress, we won’t be seeing much we can celebrate from here on out. Enjoy the confirmation of Elena Kagan because that is about as good as it is going to get.
Currently, the Senate is engaged in two kabuki shows (over war funding and campaign finance reform) where they will fail to pass bills for the sole purpose of demonstrating to the House that they can’t get progressive legislation through the upper chamber.
A lot has been accomplished, but it will be all nibbling around the edges from here on out unless we somehow do one of two things.
1. Avoid significant losses in the House while netting one additional Senate seat.
2. Modify the filibuster rule so that a majority can pass legislation in the Senate.
If neither of those things are accomplished, the best days of the administration’s first term are over and we’ll be hunkering down for two (and perhaps six) years of brutal gridlock.
