Question:
(My personal guess is that the hidden improvements are less important than they were in the 1950s and 1960 For example, direct-dial long-distance calling and television made more real difference to our lives than the Internet and DVD.)

Does it follow that "I think that the hidden improvements are more important than they were in the 1950s and 1960."?
Answer:
no

Question:
For example, one IRS division used an employee team to help to develop its strategic plan.

Does it follow that "An employee team has used an IRS division."?
Answer:
no

Question:
In fact, Congress banned hospitals from increasing resident hires this year.

Does it follow that "Hospitals were banned from increasing resident hires this year by Congress."?
Answer:
yes

Question:
She hardly needs to mention it--the media bring it up anyway--but she invokes it subtly, alluding (as she did on two Sunday talk shows) to women who drive their daughters halfway across the state to shake my hand, a woman they dare to believe in.

Does it follow that "She rarely needs to mention it since the media will bring it up anyway, she invokes it subtly."?
Answer:
yes