Expectations Low for Dealmaking in Congress Before Election
- Ryan to open 2016 with another attack on Affordable Care Act
- Legislative agenda to play out against electoral strategies
The illuminated dome of the U.S. Capitol building is seen behind a traffic light in Washington on Dec. 11, 2015.
Photographer: Drew Angerer/BloombergDon’t expect an avalanche of big legislative accomplishments by Congress in 2016, with leaders already lowering expectations and political parties sharpening their contrasts for a year in which the White House and Senate control are up for grabs.
First thing up for the new session: hitting President Barack Obama with a repeal of the Affordable Care Act’s core provisions that he will veto. Republicans who won the Senate in 2014 to complement their House majority are eager to show voters they’re still focused on the health-care law even though this vote -- like more than 50 previous ones in the House -- won’t succeed in repealing Obamacare.