A book published in 1973 with the title, “The Dance of Legislation” by Eric Redman provided a thorough, credible account of the legislative process involving an effort to pass S.4106, the National Health Service Bill. The essence of the book’s material enables readers to appreciate the various forms of bureaucratic infighting that occurred, political prerogatives, and Congressional courtesies required to achieve a favorable outcome.
While the assortment of lions and lionesses on Capitol Hill back then has long since departed the legislative scene, a strong case may be made that nothing significant has changed over the past several decades. The current political scene includes talk of impeaching President Trump, but that distraction is just one of many factors contributing to a general sense of paralysis affecting the ability to pass needed forms of legislation. A case in point is the necessity of reauthorizing the Higher Education Act (HEA).
Last reauthorized in 2008 for a five-year period, the six years since then have enabled the contents of this legislation to continue to be implemented. Fortunately, although technically it could be declared null and void at any time, its provisions are too important to be placed on the chopping bock. A downside, however, is that changes need to be made in order to achieve a more perfect accommodation with changing times and situations since 2008.
This piece of legislation, along with other important considerations such as immigration policy, constitute bottlenecks that can erupt at many different points. Apart from partisan disagreements that can lead to delays, even when both chambers are ruled by the same party, important differences may exist. The fact that in 2019 Democrats are the majority in the House of Representatives while Republicans have more favorable numbers in the Senate adds to the challenge of overcoming certain impediments that result in legislation being stalled.
Even within the two parties, disagreements may arise. A member from a state with strong agricultural interests may not always share the same outlook of a colleague whose constituents may have a stronger maritime focus. The same holds true when a member of Congress represents predominantly urban rather than rural interests. Ultimately, each Representative and Senator is beholden to addressing the needs and interests of voters back home. If perceived as failing to do so, there is a risk of not being reelected.
Strenuous efforts continue to be exerted to pass appropriations legislation. The 2020 fiscal year began on October 1 of this year without funding bills being signed into law. One or more continuing resolutions (CRs) enable the government to continue operating until such time that a more permanent agreement can be reached. It will not be long until the end of the calendar year is reached and a new Congressional session will begin next January.
The year 2020 will involve a national election, including who will occupy the White House in 2021. Republicans campaigning will blame Democrats for blocking legislative achievements. Democrats will point to their do-nothing Republican opponents and insist on voting them out of office. Some things never change, thus ensuring that the dance of legislation will continue uninterrupted for the forseeable future.
More Articles from October 2019 TRENDS
THE VALUE OF GLANCING IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR
Indicates why it is worthwhile to examine professional literature archives to learn more about present day challenges involving both the health workforce and genomics. Read More
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Susan Hanrahan offers her thoughts on recently completing a two-year term as ASAHP President. Read More
THE DANCE OF LEGISLATION
A book published in 1973 bearing this title shows how over the decades, certain patterns continue to remain in effect. Read More
HEALTH REFORM DEVELOPMENTS
Discusses recent efforts to curtail waste, fraud, and abuse in programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, along with some reflections on how to reduce administrative expenditures. Read More
DEVELOPMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Summarizes new activity in the regulatory domain, plus recently introduced legislation to protect students when colleges close and reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. Read More
QUICK STAT (SHORT, TIMELY, AND TOPICAL)
Death Rates By Marital Status For Adults Age 25 And Older: United States, 2010-2017
Prevalence Of Screening For Social Determinants Of Health
Hierarchical Encoding Of Attended Auditory Objects In Multi-Talker Speech Perception
Exergaming And Virtual Reality For Health: Implications For Cardiac Rehabilitation Read More
AVAILABLE RESOURCES ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONICALLY
Preparing The Current And Future Health Care Workforce For Interprofessional Practice
Integrating Social Care Into The Delivery Of Health Care
Older Americans’ Views On Navigating The Health Care System
Survey On State And Local Income, Poverty, And Health Insurance Statistics Read More
EVIDENCE FOR LATINO PREFERENCES FOR METAPHOR AND ANALOGY
Mentions how a stronger liking for and a desire to connect with individuals who use metaphoric speech can have an impact on the quality of health care services. Read More
PARKINSON’S DISEASE AFFECTS WOMEN AND MEN DIFFERENTLY
Refers to a recognition that the two groups differ in the risk of developing this disease, how it progresses, and survivor rates. Read More
LEARNING ABOUT FIDGETING WHILE FIDGETING
Despite efforts by parents and teachers to discourage children from fidgeting, this form of behavior may persist in adulthood, while a clearer understanding of its neural origins is enhanced by contributions made by expert mice. Read More