Obstruction or Failure? Democrats Account for Slow Pace of Promises Fulfilled

The Fourth of July, complete with fireworks and picnics celebrating American independence, will hold added meaning this year. It marks the six-month anniversary of the day Democrats took control of the gavels in both the House and the Senate for the first time in 12 years. On that front, for Democrats looking to highlight their accomplishments, there will be less to celebrate.

And, according to Democratic leaders, there is one reason: the Republicans. Specifically Republicans in the Senate who, because of the parliamentary rules there, can block most legislation.

In the face of leaving for the Independence Day work period on a down note after failing to pass an immigration reform bill in the Senate, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., held a press conference today to highlight their legislative accomplishments so far.

Campaign Promises, Congressional Delivery

But they faced more questions about what they haven't yet been able to accomplish.

"Because of Republican obstruction I'm not very happy with Congress right now either," said Pelosi, responding to a question about falling public confidence in Congress.

While Democrats have worked to enact the various legislation they promised during the 2006 campaign, they've had meager success getting the big policy shift bills they sold during 2006 midterm election season signed into law. In the case of comprehensive immigration reform, senators this week weren't even able to move toward a vote on a bill.

Reid pointed out that President Bush signed a minimum wage increase into law as part of a troop funding bill and gave more money for Katrina relief and veterans care. He also highlighted Democratic success in revamping the selection process for U.S. attorneys and putting a new focus on the Iraq War with nearly 100 oversight hearings.

Success and Failure of Campaign Initiatives

But he could not avoid the fact that Democrats have been unable to succeed on some of their bigger initiatives.

On Iraq, they have been unable to start a phased redeployment of troops despite an intense focus on Iraq in Congress during the past six months and couldn't circumvent the president's veto pen.