Some of President Bush's splashiest proposals are languishing in Congress even though his party controls both chambers. The main reason is not Democratic obstruction but a lack of vigorous follow-through by the administration once the initial hoopla died down, according to some Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
Proposals to bar gay marriage, rewrite immigration laws, protect Americans from anthrax bacteria and send astronauts to the moon and Mars are progressing slowly -- or not at all -- even though Bush initially endorsed them at high-visibility events.
The administration's low-energy approach to these issues contrasts sharply with its promotion of unquestioned priorities such as tax cuts and educational accountability, for which the president and his staff relentlessly marshaled public and congressional support to overcome opposition.
A White House spokesman and some Republicans defended the administration's approach, saying the president is waiting for the appropriate time to press for action on some of his initiatives, while recognizing that others may have to wait for a second term.
Other Republicans, however, realize this jerk is sinking the ship they've hitched their dinghies to. I'm still trying to figure out what inititives didn't languish? The ones that flat out failed? Let's see...
- NCLB = unhappy local communities
- tax cuts = exploding deficits
- Iraq adventure = yeah. And it's getting worse
- mid-east peace plan = see above
Actually, Junior's best initiatives are the ones that didn't pass.
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