1. Question of the Day – 10/17
Based off you own experiences and memories, what are some of the biggest impediments to congress running efficiently?

2. Congressional Problem-Solving
And Obstacles to Success

3. Agenda for Congress as of 9/5/2017
Raise debt ceiling
Aid hurricane victims
Pass a Defense spending bill
Finance medical funding for children
Rewrite the tax code
Shield the “dreamers”
In addition…(10/15/2017)
Assist insurance companies with fire and flood insurance
Revise the Iran Nuclear Deal
Modify requirements for Cost- sharing subsidies so insurers don’t leave exchanges
What are obstacles for each?

4. President Trump attempts to spur Congress to Action
But such political hostage-taking carries considerable risk, particularly given the paralysis that has gripped Congress in the first nine months of the Trump presidency and the real possibility that the “deals” Trump is seeking won’t materialize. Hanging in the balance now are the ability of millions of Americans — including many of Trump’s working-class supporters — to afford health insurance, the fate of hundreds of thousands of “dreamers” who could face deportation, and the international standing of the United States. (Washington Post, 10/15/2017)

5. Balance of Power? Trump kicks it back to Congress
Do you agree with David Graham of The Atlantic?
From the perspective of separation of powers, this may well be a good thing, even if every indication is that Trump’s intention in taking these moves is to shift responsibility and blame to Congress, not strengthen the Constitution.

6. Why is this the reality of tax reform?

7. Typically a divided government is an obstacle
Read this article from 2014, when Obama faced a Congress that gave him a majority in the Senate, there was still gridlock. Trump, has a Republican congress….
-Answer the questions.
-How does this article explain the political scenery today?
Make-up of Congress (Senate Dem /HoR Rep)

8. Party Politics & Compromise
Consider the political positions and philosophies from the next slide then respond to the questions after each scenario on your handout*.
*Handout: Congressional Problem Solving
Party Politics & Compromise

9. Some issues that divide the party
Republican
Environment--private property and conservation practices of businesses and farmers will protect the environment.
Regulation--minimize gov’t intervention in business
Societal Issues like same-sex marriage--values should guide our policies.
Business combination--business owners should be free to operate as they wish
Democrat
Environment--only intense regulation on threats like emissions can protect the environment
Regulation--useful to minimize the unintended consequences of capitalism.
Societal Issues like same-sex marriage--respect for the individual and choice is most important.
Business--competition is most important and business combinations hurt competition and thus the consumer.