111th Congress Most Productive in Half a Century

"Gridlock? It may feel that way. But that's not the story of the 111th Congress..."

According to Jim Abrams of the Associated Press, in his article of October 17, 2010,
"... the session of Congress now drawing to a close was the most productive in nearly half a century."

"Congress passed an $814 billion economic stimulus package soon after President Barack Obama took office, tapping a staggering sum of money to avoid a full-blown depression (emphasis added). "

"The two other landmark acts of this session were the health care overhaul, a giant step toward universal coverage that had eluded presidents back to Franklin Roosevelt if not Teddy Roosevelt, and the Wall Street accountability act.

Obama has also signed into law at least a dozen other pieces of legislation of significance. They include:

_Making college loans more affordable.

_The Cash for Clunkers program that helped rejuvenate the auto industry.

_New consumer protections for credit card users.

_Making it easier for women to challenge pay discrimination.

_Increasing federal regulation of tobacco products.

_Cracking down on waste in Pentagon weapons acquisition.

_Making attacks based on sexual orientation a federal hate crime.

_Giving businesses tax incentives to hire unemployed workers.

_Tax credits for first-time homeowners. "

As we approach the upcoming election, take a moment to reflect on all that has been accomplished.