Congress expected to shy away from tough votes before election
By Jim Abrams, APSunday, September 12, 2010
Congress to tread carefully in run-up to election
WASHINGTON — Congress returns this week with Democrats torn between trying to show they have the economic answers and fearing the further wrath of voters over new government programs.
It appears the fears will win out.
The inbox is overflowing as lawmakers end their summer recess and undertake four weeks of writing and trying to pass bills before leaving town ahead of the Nov. 2 election.
There’s the Bush-era tax cuts that are set to expire at year’s end. There are the annual spending bills that await action. And President Barack Obama has just come out with a new plan to stimulate the economy through tax credits, breaks for business investment and public works projects.
But progress on any of those before the election is doubtful.
