We will work together on a bipartisan basis to achieve a common-sense agenda. The last time one party controlled both branches was after President Clinton was elected in 1992. But all-Democratic rule ended two years later, when Republicans took control of Congress. Republicans will have to learn to work with a GOP president whose priorities may not always coincide with those of his party allies on Capitol Hill. Republicans will also have to cut more deals with Democrats and may have to defer some of their longer-term objectives, such as a large tax cut and partial privatization of Social Security.
Lawmakers say a compromise on easing the marriage penalty and eliminating the estate tax is likely.
They also say enactment of new regulations governing health maintenance organizations is probable, and that action on creating a prescription drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries is possible, although tougher to do. A major overhaul of Social Security and Medicare is likely to be put off or handed over to a study commission. At least some action on education is widely predicted. Timing is very important, and getting the first win is important. In both chambers, Democrats will also be gearing up for another attempt to win majorities in 2002, and many of them will be nursing grievances from the presidential struggle in Florida.