Following the Senate’s approval of the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) between the United States and Russia, President Obama hailed the 111th Congress’ last few weeks as “a season of progress for the American people.”
Americans often expect the time between midterm Congressional elections and the end of a Congress – referred to as the “lame duck” period – as a slow few weeks. But in recent days, along with the START ratification, Congress repealed the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that banned gays from serving openly in the military, extended tax cuts and approved financial assistance to September 11 rescue workers suffering health problems.
President Obama has now joined his family in Hawaii, where he’s expected to stay until after New Year’s. Happy Holidays!