New York Times Article 4

Policy Agenda Poses Test for Rusty Legislative Machinery April 5

The ambitious policy agenda will test whether congress can shake the rust ffrom its legislative machinery.

Congress has not managed to produce its basic spending bills on time in recent years and has spent considerable energy dealing with recurring tax and Medicare issues.

Many are wondering if Congress is up to the task of completeing and taking this agressive policy agenda head on. The budgets approved by the House and Senate last week need to be reconciled for a final vote and this is only the first step in producing the related legislation.

One concern is that simple matters of logistics can slow progress and the calendar can get away from Congress. Another concern is the extent Republicans will be enganged in trying to produce any bills.