Congress’s Challenge – Issues Looking For Solutions

Congress faces issues that strongly challenge the will and courage of every senator and congressman to live up to the expectations of the American people who elected them.  Every member of Congress on both sides of the aisle – should be sweating at the array of pressing problems they must solve – as a group.

Economic issues top the agenda.  As the economy begins to shed the burden of a hard recession, unemployment is still high, the housing market has barely budged and the government is strapped with a multi-trillion dollar deficit.  These are the current issues that must be jointly addressed and solved.

While fiscal restraint and cutting government expenditures are at the top of Congress’s agenda, there are also environmental issues and social justice concerns that must be addressed in the budget.  These two perspectives  making significant cutbacks in spending versus continuing to invest in areas such as the environment and social programs are at the heart of the debate between Republican and Democrat members of Congress.

Beyond the recent rhetoric from both parties about cooperation, purely political issues and ideology debates still exist could keep this Congress from moving forward as a unified body.  Congress needs to recognize that rancor and dissent will not be tolerated by voters forever.  Political cartoons clearly reflect the public’s displeasure with both the House of Representatives and the Senate’s behavior.

There is also a cynical undertone in voters’ view of Congress.  Many Americans see Congress members’ votes heavily influenced by lobbyists representing corporate interests rather than the wishes and needs of the people who sent them to Washington.  These ethical issues and concerns have been strongly voiced.  Yet there appears to be little evidence demonstrating congressional action to police itself.

The myriad of government issues that he 112th Congress faces the economy, the deficit, Social Security, health care, welfare, among others  is staggering.  These legislators have the opportunity to significantly impact each of the issues before it.  The challenge is clear.  Is the new Congress ready to seriously tackle these issues with less divisive talk and more cooperative action?