Political momentum behind the Medicare bill also may be slowed if the experience of one House GOP leader during the summer break turns out to have been widespread.
"My constituents have mixed feelings [about the Medicare bill], because many already have better prescription drug coverage," said the leader, who asked not to be identified. "I don't see the same public sentiment [in favor of the bill] that I thought I would see. That, in combination with the deficit numbers, makes me less certain it is a slam dunk."
*
Concern about growing deficits also should figure in the debate on the U.S. commitment to rebuilding Iraq. With violence in that country continuing, lawmakers will be confronting afresh the reality that the United States is facing a long, costly involvement in Iraq, with little support from other nations. Many members of Congress already have urged the administration to work harder to expand other countries' involvement in the operation.
"Many members will come back asking, 'Why can't we internationalize the situation?' " said Rep. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), who is close to the Bush administration. "You won't hear Republicans saying we should pull out," he said, but they will ask, " 'Can't we bring in more help from other countries?' "
U.S. policy on Iraq is likely to come under particular scrutiny when the administration requests more money for operations there. Trent Duffy, spokesman for the Office of Management and Budget, said no decision has been made about when such a request would be sent to Congress.
Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.), chairman of the House appropriations subcommittee that funds most foreign aid programs, is urging the administration to submit the request as soon as possible so it can be thoroughly reviewed. He also said it was "too early to tell" whether congressional support for the administration's policy has been weakened as a result of the ongoing tumult in Iraq and the lack of international support for the reconstruction.
"I hope not," he said. "Failing is not an option."
*
Turmoil closer to home -- the mammoth blackout of mid-August -- has increased GOP hopes that Congress can finish work on pending energy legislation before year's end.
The House and Senate passed different versions of the bill, which has been a Bush priority for more than two years. The legislation's overall goal of expanding domestic energy production enjoys broad support, but disputes over how best to accomplish that have stalled action.
