Politics

Will gridlock continue to block action in Washington?

Abstract

Congress remains mired in partisan conflicts that prevent even so-called “must-pass” legislation from becoming law. The failure of legislators to adopt appropriations bills closed much of the federal government for 16 days in October 2013. They eventually approved an omnibus appropriations measure to keep the government operating until October 2014 and a suspension of the debt ceiling to allow the nation to pay its bills into 2015. Also in October 2013, the Obama administration botched the rollout of the Affordable Care Act's online marketplace, although 8 million Americans were able to sign up for health insurance by mid April. Faced with GOP efforts to stymie President Obama's nominees, Senate Democrats abolished the filibuster for most presidential appointments. Responding to federal inaction, states began addressing such issues as gun rights, immigration, marijuana use, abortion and environmental protection. Unable to obtain congressional cooperation, Obama issued executive orders to implement federal policy.

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