Legislative Issues for 2012

When it comes to the legislative agenda in a presidential election year, 'tis best to strike while the iron is hot. And that iron cools off considerably once school lets out.

When the weather heats up, silly season begins in Washington, D.C. All attention will turn to the November elections, and virtually nothing will get done in Congress. That's hardly a bold prognostication; historically, except for any must-pass legislation needed to keep the government running, Congress hangs its "out to lunch" shingle around mid-year to focus on elections.