A Bumpy Congressional Transition Ahead?

The new Congress does not begin its work until January, but as you know, there's still much work to be done in the 111th Congress in what's known as the "lame duck" session of Congress.  Now, Congress must resolve two main issues the pending expiration of the current tax brackets and funding levels for the government for next year. 

While the tax and spending issues are front-and-center now, there will be other challenges ahead in the 112th Congress when it gets underway in the new year.

There's much attention focused on what will happen in Congress between now and the end of this year.  The Democratic majority has stated that it has several priorities on its list - including the passage of the DREAM Act and repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the military.

However, all 42 Senate Republicans (Sen. Mark Kirk has already been sworn in to fill President Obamas former seat) have vowed to block all legislation until the tax and spending issues are resolved.

The truth of the matter is that all lame duck sessions must be viewed with skepticism, because there are numerous members of Congress who have just lost re-election still voting on matters before Congress.  The result can often be chaotic.  Well be sure to keep you posted.

Looking ahead to the 112th Congress that begins in January, the most pressing issue is the beginning of the effort to repeal ObamaCare.  As you know, we have consistently called on the House and Senate to immediately vote on a full repeal of the entire bill.  We will continue to call for these votes, and are confident that such a repeal will be approved by the House.

This is more than a symbolic effort.  By approving repeal in the House and calling for a vote in the Senate, the American voters will be able to see firsthand which elected officials heard the message of the 2010 elections - that most Americans don't want the government-run, pro-abortion health care law.  Those in both parties who stand in the way of repeal will have to again face the voters in 2012, as will the President.  So while repeal may be a multi-year process, it is crucial that the initial stages begin immediately.

Meanwhile, we will continue to litigate against ObamaCare in the federal court system.  As you may recall, we have filed our own federal lawsuit in Washington, D.C. directly challenging the law.  And, we've filed amicus briefs  - representing members of Congress - in support of the lawsuits filed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Florida.

The 112th Congress is also likely to yield a strenuous debate on spending, legislative process and the way Washington, D.C. conducts business.  There will almost certainly be a struggle between the House, which will attempt to rein in spending, and the Senate, which will likely resist those efforts.

We will keep you posted on these development online and through our daily radio broadcast, Jay Sekulow Live!