Lame-duck Congress gets set for gridlock
McClatchey Tribune
WASHINGTON
Lawmakers return to the Capitol this week facing a deadline to avoid a federal government shutdown as Democrats show no signs of relenting on priority agenda items despite surging Republican opposition.
Republicans said Democrats continue to pursue their agenda as if the midterm elections, in which the GOP gained control of the House and expanded its ranks in the Senate, did not happen.
Republicans will not have their enhanced numbers until the new Congress convenes in January. But GOP opposition in the Senate will be fortified when Mark Kirk of Illinois is sworn in as expected Monday, leaving Democrats with a diminished majority.
The prospect is for a standoff on core issues in this lame-duck session, including extension of the tax cuts passed during the George W. Bush administration. Congress could remain in session until days before Christmas.
President Barack Obama expects to meet with congressional leaders from both parties on Tuesday evening to chart a path forward, particularly on the tax cut issue.
“The president is committed to sitting down and dealing openly and honestly with Republican leaders,” deputy press secretary Bill Burton said.
Republicans want to extend the tax cuts permanently for all households, including those with incomes beyond $250,000. Democrats have held firm on extending cuts only to those with incomes below that amount, saying the country cannot afford the additional $700 billion cost of tax breaks for the wealthy.
Votes are expected on both scenarios, though neither is expected to pass. Obama has suggested a willingness to compromise.
“He’s going to continue to be open and honest and hope that we can make progress on things that are important to the American people, like extending these tax cuts for the middle class,” Burton said.
Even relatively popular bipartisan measures have run into opposition in the aftermath of the midterm elections.
When Congress returns Monday, the Senate is expected to vote on the long-stalled Food Safety Modernization Act, which has widespread support — but not before considering a list of Republican-led amendments. The act would increase agricultural inspections and require enhanced industry record-keeping.
Among the amendments is a largely unrelated measure to ban all earmarks — specially directed spending items lawmakers send to their home states. Ending earmarks was a GOP campaign theme, but the ban is also supported by some Democrats.
Attention will also focus this week on Obama’s deficit reduction commission, which is due to release a report Wednesday aimed at reducing the deficit and coping with rising Social Security and Medicare costs.
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