The clock is ticking for the Democratic Congress and its “100- hour” to-do list, designed to show Americans that it can get important things done quickly.
Trying to follow through on voter concerns with the Republican 109th Congress, leaders of the 110th have vowed early action on congressional ethics, anti-terrorism measures, a minimum wage increase, stem cell research, student loans and energy taxes during the first weeks of work.
The House was as good as its word on ethics, late Thursday passing corrective rules that prohibit accepting gifts or lobbyist-paid travel, flights on corporate jets and Ethics Committee pre-approval of other paid travel. Friday, the House moved on to reform of budget earmark abuses.
The 100-hour plan is primarily a House Democratic initiative. And that chamber will take at least 15 days to get through the agenda if all goes well.
The Senate, with different opinions, traditions and a wafer-thin Democratic majority, will have its own schedule for considering the issues.
Regarding ethics, for example, the Senate is looking at a significantly less extensive package of reforms for its members. Senators see recent episodes of congressional corruption mostly as emanating during the Tom DeLay era and mostly from the House.
On legislation, of course, President Bush stands between whatever Congress passes and the federal statute books. While he’s joined the chorus calling for bipartisanship and productivity, his track record is anything but. His veto pen remains on his desk, in pristine condition.
We were glad to see fresh calls for civility and cooperation as the new Congress assembled. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, leader of minority Republicans, said it was time to put an end to “a culture of partisanship over principle.” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, “We must turn the page on partisanship and usher in a new era of bipartisan progress.”
As the 100 hours and the next two years unfold, lawmakers will need to pay more than lip service to bipartisanship and compromise. The Democrats’ narrow margin in the Senate with Bush in the White House will require reasonableness among the Democratic majority. It is the best way to keep faith with voters who sent them to Washington.
Democrats hope to pass some of the easy stuff in the first 100 hours, and it won’t be much of a bipartisan exercise. But making progress on the most complicated issues – Iraq, immigration and medical costs chief among them – will require all the cooperation Congress can muster, and a major measure of open-minded creativity.
