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. African American lawmakers will likely demand quick action on election reform because they believe many of their constituents were disenfranchised this year as a result of antiquated voting equipment and rules. Anxious lawmakers from both parties are uncertain whether this will lead to accommodations or an acceleration of the partisan strife that helped make the 106th Congress one of the least productive in memory. For the moment, at least, Democrats have the upper hand. They could filibuster the resolution needed to reorganize the Senate in January if they are not satisfied.