111th Congress most successful and progressive in 45 years

[babylonsister]

Maybe Dems should be advertising this fun fact.


http://www.boomantribune.com/story/2010/7/26/12486/9817

A Fair Warning

by BooMan
Mon Jul 26th, 2010 at 12:48:06 PM EST


Despite a certain watered-down quality to much the legislation passed so far during the 111th Congress, it stands as the most successful and progressive Congress since the 89th Congress, a full forty-five years ago. If you doubt me, check any of the congresses in between. But, as I have said, I believe the administration has reached the end point. Significant progress cannot be made on energy, on climate, on immigration reform, or on stimulus. Unless you consider letting the Bush tax cuts on the top 3% of earners sunset to be significant progress, we won't be seeing much we can celebrate from here on out. Enjoy the confirmation of Elena Kagan because that is about as good as it is going to get.

Currently, the Senate is engaged in two kabuki shows (over war funding and campaign finance reform) where they will fail to pass bills for the sole purpose of demonstrating to the House that they can't get progressive legislation through the upper chamber.

A lot has been accomplished, but it will be all nibbling around the edges from here on out unless we somehow do one of two things.

1. Avoid significant losses in the House while netting one additional Senate seat.
2. Modify the filibuster rule so that a majority can pass legislation in the Senate.

If neither of those things are accomplished, the best days of the administration's first term are over and we'll be hunkering down for two (and perhaps six) years of brutal gridlock.

[NJmaverick]

1. Yup, most successful and progressive!

[ProSense]

2. What's interesting is

that people can't see this. I came across a blog post today claiming that Wall Street Reform was going to cost you. One problem: All the articles seem to quote sources who seem more interested in discrediting the need for more regulations.

I really think some people misread the point behind the statement "make me do it."

It didn't mean passively critizing the same actions or done deals over and over and over. There was implied in that statement a more proactive approach, making a solid case and pressing it to members of Congress and the administration. The stimulus is a perfect example. Most of the critics are still talking about how small it was and providing the proof to support their conclusions. Why harp on that? Why not spend the majority of time showing why additional stimulus is need it and how it can be achieved or at least call out the obstacles.

What we see isn't constructive criticism to do push elected leaders to act, but criticism based on resignation and cynicism.

[Gman]

4. Many here at DU WON"T see it

they don't want to. It's easier to complain and help elect Republicans.

[Recursion]

3. It wasn't as good as we need, but it's what we could do at this point

All we can do is keep trying.

[Oceansaway]

5. K&R...n/t

[Clio the Leo]

6. kickers nt

[seattleblue]

7. The 91st Congress passed far more progressive legislation.

Which affected far more lives than anything this Congress did. The passed the Mine Safety Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Environmental Protection Act which established the EPA, ERISA which protects pensions, the Family Planning Act which provides contraceptive services to those in need, the Lead Poisoning Act which marked the first steps to get rid of lead in our environment. The was all done with 57 Democrats in the Senate and 243 in the House -- roughly the same as today -- with one exception -- there was a Republican president!

[ProSense]

8. Not really. The provisions in

health care reform and financial reform already surpass those things, like the new Consumer Bureau and other agencies.

Still, the things you mentioned weren't passed by one Congress: Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, Occupational Safety and Health Act (1970).

"there was a Republican president!"

That assertion should at least be accompanied by solid facts.

[seattleblue]

9. The Coal MIne Health Act and OSHA were passed by the

91st as well as the others except ERISA. My memory failed me there. These are all far more important to working people despite your opinion.

[babylonsister]

11. They most likely are more important, and it must

have been just great to get all that passed when the other party was actually voting with the rethug prez, unlike today, which makes this Congress' feat even more remarkable.

[BlueIdaho]

10. A good start.

We need more courageous Democrats in office willing to move the agenda even further in the next congress. Difficult? You betcha. Impossible? I don't think so.

[slay]

12. If that's true, then that is really, really sad

if this is "progressive" then i'm an alien from Jupiter. Gore Vidal was correct - we have two right wing parties in this country. :puke:

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

13. Successful? I can buy that. Progressive? Sister, please!

[DevonRex]

14. kickety