Back-to-back victories buck up U.S. Congress, tough tests ahead

By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The "do-nothing" U.S. Congress may actually be starting to do things. One-hundred days into the Republican takeover of Capitol Hill, even some hard-bitten politicians are musing hopefully over the prospect of getting work done in an institution that is now synonymous with gridlock and a frequent source of nationwide angst and ire over the state of American politics. Back-to-back successes on bipartisan initiatives, one overhauling parts of the Medicare health program, and one giving Congress a say in any Iran nuclear deal reached by the Obama administration, have lawmakers optimistic that gridlock may not be a permanent condition, after all. Ending years of partisan trench warfare and polarization will not be easy, with tough tests coming in months ahead on highway funding, trade, cyber-security, confirming a new attorney general and the federal budget and debt ceiling.



via Health News Headlines - Yahoo News http://ift.tt/1ywC63P