Although the presidential elections will not take place until November next year, the voting public can expect the Bush Administration and members of Congress to gear up and steadily move forward on domestic programs that will have the most influence on voters when it is time to cast ballots. Obviously, President Bush wants to be reelected and, at the same time, retain party control over the Senate and the House of Representatives. Bush has already proposed and signed into law two tax cuts. Such issues as Medicare reform and prescription drug benefits for senior citizens are currently in the forefront, and other public-benefit legislation will undoubtedly follow. Republicans and Democrats will be looking ahead to point with pride or view with scorn as they judge congressional accomplishments.
• The federal budget deficit continues to climb because of tax cuts and the surge in defense spending. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office forecasts that the deficit will top $400 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, doubling the $199 billion predicted shortfall in January. It remains to be seen whether the deficit will have an effect on Congress as it considers an expensive Medicare overhaul and the 13 agency appropriations bills for fiscal 2004.
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