President Obama: Congress
The relationship between the United States Congress and the President has become more of a “tug of war” battle than a persona of teamwork and compromise. Both Republicans and Democrats, alike, have repeatedly ousted one another for each party’s unwillingness to compromise on any issue whatsoever. John Boehner, Speaker of the House, defines conversations with the President as “Speaking with someone from a different planet” while Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader, stands firm on making “Obama a one-term President.” Likewise, President Obama is adamant about refusing to “implement policies that brought this economic crisis in the first place”.
Nevertheless, the animosity between these two parties has not halted legislation entirely. During the last four years Congress, along with President Barack Obama, have passed monumental legislation such as the:
· Middle Class Relief & Job Creation Act of 2012
This law extended payroll tax cuts while maintaining benefits for the unemployed.
· South Korea, Colombia, Panama Free Trade Agreements of 2011
This law not only removes barriers in trade between our allied countries but, through exports, promotes job creation in America.
· Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010
The repealing of this law allows Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexual individuals to serve in the military.
· Affordable Care Act of 2010
This law improves not only “access to affordable healthcare” but protects against unfair practices by insurance companies.
· American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009
This law provided tax cuts to Middle Class Americans, tax credits for certain expenditures, and increased government spending for the benefit of Americans.
· Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009
This law insures equal pay, while leveling the playing field, for females in the workplace.
The current political makeup of the Senate & House of Representatives are as follows:
· The Senate
47 Republicans, 51 Democrats, 2 Independents (who caucus with the Democrats)
· The House
241 Republicans, 198 Democrats
Will the pressures of upcoming Presidential and Congressional elections further the stalemate at Washington or will a “lame-duck” Congress and incumbent President decide to finally reach a compromise both parties are pleased with? It looks like you will just have to stay tuned for what lies ahead…
Nevertheless, the animosity between these two parties has not halted legislation entirely. During the last four years Congress, along with President Barack Obama, have passed monumental legislation such as the:
· Middle Class Relief & Job Creation Act of 2012
This law extended payroll tax cuts while maintaining benefits for the unemployed.
· South Korea, Colombia, Panama Free Trade Agreements of 2011
This law not only removes barriers in trade between our allied countries but, through exports, promotes job creation in America.
· Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010
The repealing of this law allows Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexual individuals to serve in the military.
· Affordable Care Act of 2010
This law improves not only “access to affordable healthcare” but protects against unfair practices by insurance companies.
· American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009
This law provided tax cuts to Middle Class Americans, tax credits for certain expenditures, and increased government spending for the benefit of Americans.
· Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009
This law insures equal pay, while leveling the playing field, for females in the workplace.
The current political makeup of the Senate & House of Representatives are as follows:
· The Senate
47 Republicans, 51 Democrats, 2 Independents (who caucus with the Democrats)
· The House
241 Republicans, 198 Democrats
Will the pressures of upcoming Presidential and Congressional elections further the stalemate at Washington or will a “lame-duck” Congress and incumbent President decide to finally reach a compromise both parties are pleased with? It looks like you will just have to stay tuned for what lies ahead…
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