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Same issues, greater urgency

BY STEPHEN DINAN there’s no longer an automatic solution THE WASHINGTON TIMES President Obama, Hill Republicans written into the law. The deal also increased the political fter Republicans won to resume tax, spending skirmishes jeopardy for Mr. Boehner, who overcame control of the House a mini-rebellion to retain his speakership in the 2010 elections, “We’re going to have to continue to majority in the Senate and shrinking the last week in the wake of the cliff vote. they triumphed in the move forward in defi cit-reduction, but GOP’s majority in the House, while giv- He is already taking a tough line in fi rst showdown with the we have to do it in a balanced way,” he ing Mr. Obama a renewed lease on the the upcoming negotiations on the federal White House on spend- said. Oval Offi ce, albeit with a lesser vote debt limit, saying he will insist on making ing.A Six months later, they and President At stake is the size and shape of the than in 2008. Mr. Obama come to the table. Obama dueled to a draw on the debt. federal government, and everything that The president has not let that de- “Any increase in the nation’s debt And Mr. Obama has emerged the victor follows from that: how much Washing- cline dent his claim to a postelection limit must be accompanied by spending in last week’s tax fi ght. ton will take in taxes, where it will spend mandate, and pushed hard to force the cuts and reforms of a greater amount,” Now, all sides are gearing up for even that money, and what sort of debt will GOP to accede to raising tax rates on Mr. Boehner told fellow Republicans last bigger battles over entitlement spending be left for future generations to pay off . the wealthiest. While Mr. Obama gave week in a closed-door meeting, restating and broad tax reform. The key players remain the same as in on the income level at which rates the same principle he’d insisted on in “Now that we have permanently set- they have been for years. will rise, Republicans conceded on a the 2011 fi ght. tled how much revenue the government In the Senate, Majority Leader Harry core principle of opposing tax-rate hikes. The same players may be returning, is going to take out of the economy, we Reid has led Democrats for eight years, Until last week’s deal, the long-term but their to-do list will be even longer can move on to next steps,” said Rep. while his House counterpart, Minority budget outlook was sketchy, but there this year. Dave Camp, Congress’ chief tax writer as Leader Nancy Pelosi, has been atop her was hope. If lawmakers had let the Not only do they have all of the chairman of the House Ways and Means caucus for a decade. Sen. Mitch Mc- laws as written take eff ect, the defi cit unfi nished business of last year, such Committee. “We can and will pursue Connell of Kentucky has led the upper would have almost instantly stabilized, as tax reform and the automatic spend- comprehensive tax reform [in 2013]. We chamber’s GOP leader for six years, and owing to tax increases and automatic ing “sequesters,” but they now have need to address the fundamental driver Rep. John A. Boehner has helmed House spending cuts that would have harmed immigration and gun-control debates of our defi cits and debt, and that is out- Republicans for seven years, the past the economy in the near term, but left looming as well. of-control spending.” two as speaker. it — and the federal fi scal picture — in Those social issues will likely com- But Mr. Obama countered that, saying In fact, Mr. Obama, in the White better shape in the long run. pete for oxygen with the ongoing spend- that the deal he got the congressional House for four years, is the newcomer Instead, Congress and Mr. Obama ing fi ghts. Republicans to agree to last week sets a to the group. added $4 trillion in projected defi cits Democrats have said they will try to new precedent that tax increases will be Voters returned all of the key players to the books over the next decade, and push new campaign-fi nance restrictions part of every negotiation from now on. relatively intact — expanding Democrats’ made most tax cuts permanent, meaning and try to broaden voting rights, too. INSIDE Congress mirrors 10 stars to watch Congressional issues Clinton, Panetta increasingly diverse in the new season and trends to watch in exits to alter face of country. D2 on Capitol Hill. D4 2013 and beyond. D6 Obama’s Cabinet. D10 WWW.WASHINGTONTIMES.COM/SPECIALS/113TH-CONGRESS D2 | ☆ R TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 The113 thCongress SENATE FRESHMEN THE MINORITY’S MINORITY MAJORITY The House Democratic caucus makes history as women and Republicans Democrats minorities will make up a clear majority of its members in the 113th Congress for the first time ever. Minorities and women as a share of the House caucus Democrats Republicans 2% 1950 3%

6% 1960 4%

10% 1970 2%

Jeff Deb Christopher Mazie Joe Martin Heidi 14% 1980 5% Flake Fischer Murphy Hirono Donnelly Heinrich Heitkamp (Arizona) (Nebraska) (Conn.) (Hawaii) (Indiana) (New ) (N.Dakota) 19% 1990 6% Ind. 38% 2000 10% 47% 2010 14%

59% 2013 12%

Source: The Cook Political Report; House Press Gallery THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Ted Tim Tim Tammy Elizabeth Brian Cruz Scott Kaine Baldwin Warren Schatz CLASS PICTURE 1 2 A group profi le of the 82 new House members and (Texas) (S.Carolina) (Virginia) (Wisconsin) (Mass.) (Hawaii) Angus King 14 new senators in the 113th Congress. 1 Appointed 12/17/2012 to replace Sen. Jim DeMint (R) 2 Appointed 12/26/12 to replace Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (D) (Maine) Senate House Average age 52 50 Number 40 and younger 2 17 Number of women 5 19 113th Congress mirrors Number of blacks 1 5 Number of Hispanics 1 9 Number of Asian-Americans 1 4 increasingly diverse U.S. Number of Catholics 3 30 Number of non-Christians 3 10 member of the Senate is Texas Re- will be his state’s fi rst white senator Number of law degrees 9 31 publican , who is likely to be since Democrat Oren E. Long retired More women, among the chamber’s most conser- in January 1963. Number with military service 0 12 vative members. All three Hispanic And the 113th Congress will repair Number with House experience 7 9 ethnic minorities senators — Mr. Cruz, Florida Repub- the gaping “Kennedy defi cit” opened Source: ; Th e Washington Times. Numbers updated to include Sens. Tim lican and New Jersey up when Rhode Island Rep. Patrick J. Scott, South Carolina Republican, and Brian Schatz, Hawaii Democrat among those Democrat Robert Menendez — are Kennedy’s retirement in 2010 left Capi- THE WASHINGTON TIMES Cuban-American, even though the tol Hill without an elected member of storming Hill large majority of U.S. Hispanic are the famed American political dynasty who expressed a religious affi liation, institution is far less so today than it Mexican-American. for the fi rst time since the Truman ad- although the percentage declined from was 50 years ago, when nearly three- BY DAVID R. SANDS The Senate’s only new black member ministration. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy 57.3 percent in the 112th Congress to quarters of the members belonged to

THE WASHINGTON TIMES is also a Republican: former South Caro- III, a former assistant district attorney 56.4 percent now. Every Protestant Protestant denominations.” lina Rep. Tim Scott, who was appointed and the grandson of Robert F. Kennedy denomination listed saw its numbers Other notable fi rsts and milestones The changing face of Congress to fi ll the seat of retiring Sen. Jim DeMint. Jr., will be representing the family after fall or stay the same except for Bap- from the new Congress: can be seen in the changing faces of Mr. Scott is the fi rst black Republican having won the Massachusetts House tists, who added six new members ⦁ First openly U.S. senator: Congress. senator since 1979 and the fi rst black to seat long held by fellow Democrat and now make up 14 percent of the Former Rep. Tammy Baldwin, Wis- While demographers now project represent a Southern state since 1881. . new Congress. consin Democrat, who will be joined that the United States will become a Hawaii’s two new Democratic sena- In addition to his family name, The number of Catholic lawmakers by six openly gay House members, all “majority-minority” nation by 2043, tors will also break new demographic Mr. Kennedy will be one of four new increased, while the number of Jewish Democrats the lineup of the 113th Congress sug- ground while replacing two Hill stal- House members, all Democrats, born members fell from 39 to 32, according ⦁ First Buddhist senator: For- gests the shift may be coming much warts — retired Sen. Daniel K. Akaka in the 1980s, along with Rep. Patrick to Pew’s calculations. mer Rep. Mazie K. Hirono, Hawaii more quickly on Capitol Hill, as 82 new and the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye — Murphy of Florida, Rep.Tulsi Gabbard The number of lawmakers who de- Democrat House members and 14 new senators who boasted a combined 72 years of of Hawaii and Rep. Eric Swalwell of clined to list any religious preference ⦁ First openly bisexual House mem- take their seats. seniority. Former Rep. Mazie Hirono, . Born in March 1983, Mr. rose from six to 11 in the Pew survey, ber: Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, Arizona Every new Congress — especially elected to replace Mr. Akaka, is the Murphy supplants Rep. Aaron Schock, although Congress lost its only avowed Democrat ones that see a large infl ux of new fi rst Asian-American women to serve Republican, as ’s young- atheist when Rep. Pete Stark, Califor- ⦁ First Hindu House member: Rep. members — brings with it new mile- in the upper chamber and only the est member. Mr. Schock had held nia Democrat, lost his bid for a 20th Tulsi Gabbard, Hawaii Democrat stones, though the 113th may pass a few second minority woman ever elected the title for both the 110th and 111th term to Mr. Swalwell in November. ⦁ First female combat veterans: Ms. more than most. In one of the most re- to the Senate. Congresses. The shifting faith profi le of Con- Gabbard and Rep. , marked “fi rsts” of 2013, women, blacks, By contrast, former Hawaii Lt. Gov. While diversity has been the early gress “continues a gradual increase in Illinois Democrat Hispanics and other ethnic minorities Brian Schatz, appointed last month watchword for the new Congress, a religious diversity that mirrors trends ⦁ Most female lawmakers: 101, will for the fi rst time in history make to replace Mr. Inouye, was born in Pew Research Center survey of the in the country as a whole,” according including three nonvoting delegates up a majority of the House Democrats Ann Arbor, Mich., identifi es himself new members found that Protestants to the Pew researchers. “While Con- ⦁ Average age of senators: 61 seated this month, just under 60 per- as Jewish on his page and still make up a majority of lawmakers gress remains majority Protestant, the ⦁ Average age of House members: 56 cent of the party’s overall caucus. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said Friday the makeup of her caucus, where white males are a distinct minority, represented a “sea change in Congress.” “I really think the new members are manifestations of the American Dream,” she said. By contrast, the percentage of non-white male Republican House members fell from 14 percent in 2010 to 12 percent today, leading David Wasserman, congressional analyst for the Cook Political Report, to observe that the two parties in the House are “living in parallel universes.” Still, breaking down the racial, ethnic, and religious compo- sition of the 113th Congress confi rms some trends while confounding some others. Capitol Hill will see its fi rst openly gay senator and its fi rst Hindu House member, while New Hamp- shire voters made history by sending its fi rst all-female delegation — two senators and two representatives — to Congress. A record 20 women — 16 Demo- crats and four Republicans — now hold Senate seats, while 28 Hispanics — 25 Democrats and three Republi- cans — will sit in the House. The new clout and visibility of the Hispanic delegation was on vivid display Thurs- day, the day the new Congress was offi cially sworn in, with a gala recep- tion for Hispanic lawmakers that shut down an entire wing of nearby Union Station and featured a visit from Vice President Joseph R. Biden. With immigration likely to be one of the early battles of President Obama’s second term, the increased clout of Hispanic lawmakers could be felt quickly. Eliseo Medina, secretary- treasurer of the Service Employees International Union, said the upshot of the 2012 congressional vote was that the “Latino giant” is “wide awake, cranky, and it’s taking names.” ANDREW HARNIK/THE WASHINGTON TIMES But there are also anomalies in Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Hawaii Democrat, is greeted by Speaker of the House John A. Boehner, Ohio Republican, for the re-enactment of her swearing-in Th ursday on the the numbers: The only new Hispanic fi rst day of the 113th Congress. Ms. Gabbard is the fi rst Hindu in Congress. TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 ☆ R D3 D4 ☆ R TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 The113 thCongress A curtain-raiser: 10 stars to watch in new season of Congress Theater Every session brings its own cast of characters, plot lines to the Hill

JENNIFER HARPER into politics is indicative of his life’s

THE WASHINGTON TIMES work: a desire to diagnose problems and provide practical solutions,” It takes ability, appetite and the notes Mr. Paul’s campaign website, occasional lucky break to rise above which incidentally bears the title the din of discord on Capitol Hill. “Randpaul2016.com.” Lawmakers must have fi nesse, fi re Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, in the belly and persistence to dis- Washington Republican: The new tinguish themselves from the pack. chairwoman of the House Repub- Sometimes they warrant attention for lican Conference made multiple actual legislative prowess, sometimes broadcast appearances with GOP not. Media darlings, partisan bullies fi scal cliff heavyweights, display- and rogue individualists also can ing a calm and eff ective style. Mrs. clear a path and engage the public Rodgers is 43, a mother of two — whether the public likes it or not. and served nine years as a state Who’s worth watching, then, in representative before arriving in 2013? Here are 10 lawmakers of note Washington in 2005. Determined as the curtain rises on a new season to update the Republican Party in of political theater in Congress: practical ways, she is a major ad- Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Repub- vocate of social media, telling the lican: Cuban-American and a tea : “Regardless of the party favorite with serious legal issue — health care, energy, tax re- chops, Mr. Cruz already has advised form, debt reductions, entitlement the Republican Party to adopt the reform — [social media] will con- motto “Opportunity Conservatism.” tinue to shape the debate in ways The former solicitor general in we’ve never seen before.” Sen. Rand Paul, the Lone Star State, Mr. Cruz has Sen. Marco Rubio, Florida Kentucky Repub- written more than 80 briefs before Republican. Telegenic, straight- lican, (above) the U.S. Supreme Court and is a forward Mr. Rubio, 41, is already is a barometer champion of small businesses and a conservative standard-bearer, of grass-roots balanced budgets, boasting endorse- his name associated with a White ferocity, remind- ments from the National Rifl e As- House run even before he took offi ce ing the press that sociation and the National Right to two years ago. The son of Cuban- the tea party is Life Coalition, among many groups. American immigrants continues still percolating He also named personable Chip Roy, to perform beautifully under media and libertarian a top aide to Texas Gov. Rick Perry, scrutiny and is a key component conservatism as his chief of staff — prompting of Republican eff orts to attract the remains a force. praise for his outside-the-Beltway crucial Hispanic vote. Mr. Rubio thinking from Redstate.com blogger also boasts an able staff that never Erick Erickson, who declared, “Ted misses a chance to get their man’s Newly elected Cruz’s fi rst decision is a huge deal.” sound bites across media platforms Sen. Ted Cruz, Born in Canada, Mr. Cruz, 42, is sure of every persuasion. Look for talk of Texas Republi- to prompt an outcry from critics a serious policy book from the ris- can, (left ) is a who fret over his eligibility for an ing GOP star as he plans a strategic tea party favorite eventual White House run. route to 2016. with serious Rep. Bob Goodlatte, Virginia Rep. Paul Ryan, Wisconsin Re- legal chops who Republican: The 11-term congress- publican: Like the aforementioned already has man is the new chairman of the Mr. Rubio, he is a universal given advised the Re- House Judiciary Committee, which on anyone’s “watch list.” The former publican Party to has oversight for immigration and vice presidential candidate simply adopt the motto the Justice Department. Mr. Good- isn’t done yet. Mr. Ryan, 42, was the “Opportunity latte, 60, should surface in news proverbial man-with-the-plan before Conservatism.” coverage when the discussion turns he stepped into the 2012 campaign to gun control and immigration limelight, providing comprehensive reform. He is keen on Internet and guides for fi scal responsibility and House Minority high-tech digital issues, plus online lower taxes in a year of chaos. Bipar- Whip Rep. Steny piracy. He is considered a “copy- tisan immigration reform, however, H. Hoyer, Mary- right hawk” and has been deemed is also on his agenda. Predictions land Democrat, “Hollywood’s favorite Republican” that Mr. Ryan would retreat to ob- (below) has for his support of the bill to curtail scurity after ’s defeat been particularly online piracy. have not panned out. He continues to feisty on multiple House Minority Whip Steny H. do the credible business of Congress issues recently, Hoyer, Maryland Democrat: Politi- with gusto but not fl ash, a wise wonk and even spent cians appear to be fond of the idea with street smarts and a discerning New Year’s Eve that “70 is the new 50.” Mr. Hoyer, eye for opportunity. on MSNBC 73, has been particularly feisty and Sen. Brian Schatz, Hawaii Dem- talking about the vocal on multiple issues recently, ocrat. Former lieutenant governor “fi scal cliff .” and even spent New Year’s Eve of Hawaii, Mr. Schatz was named on MSNBC talking about the “fi s- to succeed the late Daniel K. In- cal cliff .” Mr. Hoyer is pro-choice, ouye by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, supports gun control, gay rights and will serve as the senior sena- and is a prolifi c fundraiser for the tor. Mr. Schatz, 40, is a former state Democratic Party, rising to No. 2 representative intent on economic in the House Democratic hierarchy issues, climate change, clean energy after more than three decades in and federal recognition of Native Congress. Hawaiians. He will face a special Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III, election in 2014, and therefore has Massachusetts Democrat: The little time to dilly-dally in the back- name alone is enough to draw atten- ground, rookie or not. And the tion to this 32-year-old lawmaker, backstory here: Mr. Schatz served son of former Rep. Joseph Kennedy as chairman of the state Democratic II, and grandson of Robert F. Ken- Party and orchestrated President nedy. He succeeds retiring liberal Obama’s 2008 campaign in Hawaii. icon Rep. Barney Frank. While Mr. He is a staunch ally of the president, Kennedy supports debt reduction, and accompanied the Hawaiian- job creation, health care reform born Mr. Obama aboard Air Force and gay and women’s rights, he One during the Christmas holidays. also appears vigilant about national It is insider status, aloha style. security and is a friend to Israel. “I Sen. Tim Scott, South Carolina believe this country was founded Republican. He is a tea party fa- on a simple principle: that each of vorite, and the Senate’s only black us deserves to be treated fairly, by member who unapologetically sup- our government and by each other,” ports the grass-roots movement. Mr. Kennedy says. Appointed to replace retiring Sen. Sen. Rand Paul, Kentucky Re- Jim DeMint, Mr. Scott’s fi rst move publican: Will he take up where as a senator will be to introduce a his father, retired Rep. Ron Paul of bill to lower corporate taxes to 23 Texas, left off ? Perhaps. Outspoken percent and allow for permanent Mr. Paul, a practicing ophthalmolo- repatriation of foreign earnings gist who turns 50 on Monday , is back into the U.S. A fi scal and so- capable of drawing sharp lines in cial conservative, Mr. Scott, 47, is the sand. He is a barometer of grass- pro-life, supports workers’ rights, roots ferocity, reminding the press a strong defense and believes the that the tea party is still percolat- president’s health care law should ing and libertarian conservatism be repealed. The Wall Street Journal remains a force. He also has hinted predicts that the likeable Mr. Scott PHOTOGRAPHS at a presidential run. “His entrance will give the “liberal orthodoxy” fi ts. TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 ☆ R D5 D6 ☆ R TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 The113 thCongress A Top 10 list for the new Congress Issues, trends to watch on Capitol Hill in 2013, beyond

A new term for President Obama. A new Congress. And a host of new and returning prob- lems and confl icts for the two sides to hash out. Washington Times chief political correspon- dent Ralph Z. Hallow looks at 10 political issues and trends to watch in 2013.

1) Tea partyers wise up: Look for tea party strategists and conservative activists, on both the economic and Chris- tian right, to use their heads as much as their hearts in picking their future House and Senate candidates. Many on the right think they lost winnable races — notably, W. Todd Akin in Missouri — in 2012 by failing to pick social-conservative can- didates who knew how to talk to a general-election audience. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a staunch social conservative, never made the politically fatal verbal missteps on issues such as abortion that doomed Mr. Akin’s Senate race. 2) A new generation of Re- publican leadership (slowly) emerges: Don’t look for major GOP leadership change until mid-2016. By then, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Rand Paul of Kentucky may emerge as prime contenders for the presidential nomination. But until someone actually gets that distinction, House Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio, de- spite some recent hits to his authority, will remain the par- ty’s most visible and powerful fi gure in Washington. But Mr. Boehner will have to keep an eye on his own restive caucus, ANDREW HARNIK/THE WASHINGTON TIMES and on his more conservative Rep. Paul Ryan, Wisconsin Republican, may have lost his bid for vice president, but his infl uence will still be felt on Capitol Hill as chairman of the House Budget Committee. lieutenants, such as Majority Leader of Virginia and Rep. Tom Price of Georgia. in the new Congress. Other fi nal compromise could wind the blame for the failure of the 8) Governors on the bal- administration to bypass Con- 3) Gunbattles: The Sandy overseas events likely to be felt up alienating the ideological economy to recover fully. Mr. lot: Two very diff erent Republi- gress to implement Mr. Obama’s Hook Elementary School mas- strongly at home include the wings of both parties. One el- Obama was able to blame pre- cans will be carrying the banner liberal agenda. The expectation sacre in December in Newtown, potential shifts in Latin America ement both sides likely will decessor George W. Bush for in the only two states holding on both sides is for agency ac- Conn., made inevitable an early with the passing from the scene agree on is a move to reverse much of his fi rst term’s woes, gubernatorial contests this year. tion and executive orders that policy battle over gun rights. of Venezuelan strongman Hugo the “brain drain” of talented but that argument is unlikely to In Virginia, state Attorney Gen- bypass Congress, moves that Post-Sandy Hook, congres- Chavez, who is battling can- immigrants, said Brookings In- fl y in the next four years. eral Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II, a can’t be blocked legislatively sional Democrats are talking cer, and the European Union’s stitution’s Governance Studies 7) Waging war on wages: favorite of movement conserva- but pile more regulations on about reinstituting the expired never-ending eff orts to get its Fellow John Hudak, easing rules Whatever the pace of economic tives, will test his appeal as the the private sector. assault-weapons ban passed arms around the euro crisis. for visa-bearing foreign gradu- growth in the next four years, GOP nominee in an increas- 10) Obamacare survives: under President Clinton, which “The ability of Europe’s elite to ates of U.S. universities who an equally important politi- ingly purple state that voted The Supreme Court decision expired in 2004. Members of fi nd political Band-Aids to cover have high-tech savvy to stay and cal debate is shaping up over once again for Mr. Obama in in June and Mitt Romney’s loss both parties elected from urban over ever-expanding economic work in the country. Many GOP pocketbooks and paychecks. November. In New Jersey, Gov. in November have Republicans districts or liberal states will wounds is truly impressive, leaders say they recognize the After years of unimpressive Chris Christie seeks a second wincing at their repeated prom- feel emboldened to push for but not without bounds,” said need to refi ne the party’s mes- wage growth, labor unions term while facing anger from ises to repeal the president’s more limits on gun use and Heritage Foundation fellow J.D. sage on immigration, but Sen. will pressure Mr. Obama to do some on the right over his per- signature health care law as a availability. The fi ght will likely Foster. Marco Rubio’s eff orts to draft something to boost paychecks, formance in the Superstorm top priority of 2013. But there produce more collateral damage 5) Alien nation: Watch for a Republican version of the extending the fight already Sandy aftermath and seeking remain major policy fights within GOP ranks than among Republicans, stung by huge Dream Act could prove prob- begun over higher taxes for to enhance his national profi le looming over implementation Democrats. losses among Hispanic vot- lematic with the party base if the rich passed in the “fi scal ahead of a possible 2016 presi- and funding for the law, and 4) Benghazi and the ers Nov. 6, to tear themselves the freshman Floridian makes cliff ” compromise. In his fi rst dential bid. tea party activists and con- world: Despite the administra- apart in a struggle to reach a a 2016 presidential run. term, Mr. Obama condemned 9) Congressional bypass servative groups are likely to tion’s best eff orts, the problems bipartisan immigration deal. 6) Economic blame game: wage stagnation but off ered no operation: With divided gov- seek primary opponents for in security and foreign policy Mr. Obama has vowed to get As in Mr. Obama’s fi rst term, a concrete solutions. If he does ernment and partisan gridlock GOP lawmakers who go soft exposed by the deadly attack on more involved in drafting leg- potential economic slowdown so in 2013, Republicans face returning to Capitol Hill in in the fi ght, according to Heri- the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, islation to overhaul the nation’s this year would leave the two a question of how to position 2013, conservatives will be on tage Foundation Vice President Libya, will get a fresh airing immigration policies, but any parties fi ghting over who bears their opposition. the watch for eff orts by the Becky Norton Dunlop.

FIVE DEMOCRATS TO WATCH Partisan divide remains on fi xing Nine Democrats and one independent joined in a bipartisan fi libuster of immigration reform in 2007. Five of them are up for re-election in ‘our broken immigration system’ 2014, making them the key senators to watch in any looming debate.

BY STEPHEN DINAN home after their time is up, while labor THE WASHINGTON TIMES ‘Comprehensive’ unions and immigrant-rights advocates say those workers should be allowed a espite the hopes of immi- or ‘step-by-step’ path to citizenship, which would mean grant-rights advocates, it approach debated a sizable boost in overall immigration. appears the election did Polls regularly show most Ameri- Max Tom Mary L. Mark L. John D. not close the partisan “I’ve said that fi xing our broken im- cans want immigration levels kept the Baucus Harkin Landrieu Pryor Rockefeller IV divide on immigration. migration system is a top priority. I will same or decreased. Montana Iowa Louisiana Arizona West Virginia DThat was highlighted on Thursday, introduce legislation in the fi rst year to Another difficulty is that Mr. the very fi rst day of the new session, get that done,” he said on NBC’s “Meet Obama and Senate Democratic leaders THE WASHINGTON TIMES when Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, the Press” program in December. want to handle the debate in one large enforce our laws and fi x our broken circle around the thorny issue. kicking off the 113th Congress, called His vow to write a bill already bill — what they and advocates call immigration system.” They are Sens. Max Baucus of Mon- for action on the thorny issue from the puts him further ahead than he was “comprehensive immigration reform” He also declined to say whether he tana, Tom Harkin of Iowa, Mary L. rostrum of the House. Her entire Demo- in his fi rst term, where he tried to — which would include legalization of would push the House to accept a path Landrieu of Louisiana, Mark L. Pryor cratic caucus gave her a standing ovation, prod Sen. Lindsey Graham, South illegal immigrants, border and interior to citizenship for illegal immigrants. of Arkansas and John D. Rockefeller but Republicans stayed in their seats, Carolina Republican, and Sen. Charles enforcement and rewriting rules for One key to the looming congres- IV of West Virginia. with few even bothering to applaud at all. E. Schumer, New York Democrat, to the legal immigration system. sional immigration debate will be the In the House, the key players will Whatever their feelings, the issue strike a deal, but never wrote any But House Speaker John A. Boehner group of Senate Democrats and one include the new chairmen of the Judi- is coming their way. legislation himself. said that’s not how the House will liberal independent, Vermont’s Ber- ciary Committee and the subcommit- President Obama, who strongly Writing a bill will require Mr. proceed. nard Sanders, who voted to block the tee on immigration. Rep. Bob Good- carried the Hispanic vote in his 2012 Obama to take a stand on many of the “I’m not talking about a 3,000-page bill the last time Congress debated a latte, Virginia Republican, is chairman re-election drive, has vowed to push thorny issues that have halted debates bill,” the Ohio Republican said at his comprehensive reform push in 2007. of the full committee, and Rep. Trey immigration early in the new year, in the past decade, including what to fi rst post-election news conference in Of those 16 senators, 10 are still Gowdy, South Carolina Republican, is comparing it to the all-consuming do about future workers. November. “What I’m talking about is a serving — and fi ve of them are up for chairman of the subcommittee. health care fi ght that dominated his Businesses want a stream of tem- common-sense, step-by-step approach re-election in 2014, making them the Both are seen as being tough on fi rst term in offi ce. porary workers who would return that secures our borders, allows us to ones to watch as lawmakers begin to immigration. TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 ☆ R D7 D8 ☆ R TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 The113 thCongress FRESHMAN DEMOCRATS 113th Congress

Krysten Alan Tulsi Joseph P. Carol Sinema Grayson Gabbard Kennedy III Shea-Porter (Arizona) (Florida) (Hawaii) (Mass.) (N.H.)

Ann Kirkpatrick Tulsi Gabbard Hakeem S. Jeff ries (D), Ariz.* (D), Hawaii (D), N.Y. Kyrsten Sinema (D), Ariz. (D), Ill. Daniel B. Maff ei (D), N.Y.* Ami Bera (D), Calif. Tammy Duckworth Sean Patrick (D), Ill. Maloney (D), N.Y. Julia Brownley (D), Calif. William L. Enyart (D), Ill. Grace Meng (D), N.Y. Tony Cardenas (D), Calif. (D), Ill.* Joyce Beatty (D), Ohio Jared Huff man (D), Calif. Bradley S. Matthew A. Alan S. Lowenthal Schneider (D), Ill. Cartwright (D), Pa. (D), Calif. John K. Delaney (D), Md. Joaquin Castro Gloria Negrete (D), Texas McCloud (D), Calif. Joseph P. Kennedy III (D), Mass. Pete P. Gallego (D), Texas Scott H. Peters (D), Calif. Daniel P. Kildee Beto O’Rourke (D), Texas Raul Ruiz (D), Calif. (D), Mich. Marc A. Veasey Eric Swalwell (D), Calif. Richard M. Nolan (D), Texas Mark Takano (D), Calif. (D), Minn.* Filemon Vela (D), Texas ASSOCIATED PRESS Juan Vargas (D), Calif. Steven A. Horsford Denny Heck (D), Wash. (D), Nev. Sen. Th omas R. Carper (right), Delaware Democrat, succeeds the now-retired Sen. Joe Lieberman, Connecticut independent, Elizabeth H. Esty Derek Kilmer (D), Wash. as chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Aff airs Committee. Th e ranking Republican is also new. (D), Conn. Dina Titus (D), N.V.* Marc Pocan (D), Wis. Lois Frankel (D), Fla. Ann M. Kuster (D), N.H. Joe Garcia (D), Fla. Carol Shea-Porter Freshmen Totals: 82 (D), N.H.* Alan Grayson (D), Fla.* Democrats: 47 Obama will take the lead Michelle Luhan Patrick Murphy (D), Fla. Republicans: 35 Grisham (D), N.M. *Served in a previous Congress Payne (D), NJ and DelBene (D), WA; MI fi lled vacancies in the 112th Congress (considered freshman in this Congress) protecting cybernetworks THE WASHINGTON TIMES Executive order CHANGING OF THE GUARD Th e leadership of the key Senate and House committees FRESHMAN REPUBLICANS will bypass overseeing cybersecurity and homeland security issues 113th Congress has been overhauled in the new Congress. Congress after Senate Homeland Security and Government Aff airs Committee its three failures 112th Congress 113th Congress BY SHAUN WATERMAN

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Having failed to pass cybersecurity Ted Jackie Kerry L. Ann Robert legislation for the third consecutive Yoho Walorski Bentivolio Wagner Pittenger year, Congress this year will take a (Florida) (Indiana) (Michigan) (MIssouri) (N.Carolina) back seat to the Obama administration Matt Salmon (R), Ariz.* Garland “Andy” Jim Bridenstine in trying to secure critical networks Chairman: Ranking Chairman: Ranking such as transportation, banking and Tom Cotton (R), Ark. Barr (R), Ky. (R), Okla. Joe member: Th omas R. member: communications from Internet attacks. Lieberman (I) Susan M. Collins (R) Carper (D) Tom Coburn (R) Kerry L. Bentivolio Markwayne Mullin As early as this month, President Paul Cook (R), Calif. (R), Mich. (R), Okla. Obama is expected to sign an execu- House Homeland Security Committee Doug La Malfa Ann Wagner (R), Mo. Scott Perry (R), Pa. (R), Calif. tive order to help protect industrial 112th Congress 113th Congress Steve Daines (R), Mont. Keith J. Rothfus (R), Pa. networks from computer hackers, es- David G. Valadao pecially those affi liated with terrorist (R), Calif. Chris Collins (R), N.Y. Tom Rice (R), S.C. groups and foreign adversaries. Ron DeSantis (R), Fla. George Holding Steve Stockman The executive order will set policy Trey Radel (R), Fla. (R), N.C. (R), Texas* under existing law to help the govern- Richard Hudson Randy K. Weber Sr. ment “more eff ectively secure the na- Ted S. Yoho (R), Fla. (R), N.C. (R), Texas tion’s critical infrastructure by working collaboratively with the private sector,” Doug Collins (R), Ga. Mark Meadows (R), N.C. Roger Williams Rodney Davis (R), Ill. (R), Texas White House spokeswoman Caitlin Robert Pittenger Hayden said in an email, adding that Susan W. Brooks (R), N.C. Chris Stewart (R), Utah the order “is not a substitute for new Chairman: Cybersecurity Chairman: Cybersecrity Peter T. King (R) Subcommittee Chair: Michael T. Subcommittee Chair: (R), Ind. Kevin Cramer (R), N.D. legislation.” Freshmen totals: 82 Cyberattacks have shut down Daniel Lungren (R) McCaul (R) Patrick Meehan (R) Luke Messer (R), Ind. David R.Joyce (R), Ohio Jackie Walorski (R), Ind. Democrats: 47 websites, slowed communications, THE WASHINGTON TIMES Brad R.Wenstrup Republicans: 35 wrecked computer-operated industrial Th omas Massie (R), Ky. (R), Ohio machinery, and allowed hackers to and Governmental Aff airs Committee is the large number of oversight com- steal fi nancial and identity information will be led by Sens. Thomas R. Carper, mittees with authority over various *served in a previous Congress Massie (R), KY fi lled vacancies in the 112th Congress (considered freshman in this Congress) worth billions of dollars. Delaware Democrat and committee parts of the hugely complex policy But businesses are concerned that chairman, and Tom Coburn of Okla- issue, current and former congres- THE WASHINGTON TIMES only changes in the law can protect homa, the panel’s ranking Republican. sional staff ers say. Cybersecurity is a them from lawsuits if their cyberse- They replace Sen. Joe Lieberman, Con- key element of matters dealing with curity measures fail or have unantici- necticut independent, who retired at defense, transportation, homeland HOUSE pated impacts on their customers. the end of the 112th Congress, and Sen. security, energy, fi nancial services, “Only Congress can address those Susan M. Collins, Maine Republican, small business, communications and Republicans 435 seats Democrats [liability] issues,” said Jessica Herrera- respectively. intelligence, among others. Flanigan, who was general counsel The House Committee on Home- “Cybersecurity is a hard issue 233 200 and later staff director of the House land Security will be headed by Rep. on which to legislate,” said Ms. Committee on Homeland Security Michael T. McCaul, a Texas Republican Herrera-Flanigan. from 2003 to 2008. who has said he wants to focus on Diff erent committees oversee dif- According to James A. Lewis, a bringing business management prin- ferent agencies and businesses. And scholar at the Center for Strategic and ciples to the Department of Homeland lawmakers, ever protective of their International Studies, a draft version Security. He replaces Rep. Peter T. prerogatives, are often reluctant to of the executive order would direct King, New York Republican, who ran allow other committees to act on con- federal agencies to “incorporate cy- up against committee term limits. tested or shared turf. bersecurity standards as part of the In addition, the House Homeland “There are so many elements and regulatory requirements they impose Security subcommittee on cyberse- aspects of our online lives that are on the industries they regulate.” curity will be chaired by Rep. Patrick touched by ever-changing technology Independent agencies, such as the Meehan, Pennsylvania Republican. that putting together policies and laws Note : There are Federal Communications Commis- The panel’s previous chairman, Rep. that don’t become antiquated and yet currently two vacancies sion, “will be asked to help,” Mr. Lewis Daniel Lungren, California Republi- address the concerns of all the relevant Source: Office of the Clerk of the House said, but “will the standards make can, was defeated in his re-election stakeholders is not easily done,” Ms. sense, and will they be imposed within bid in November. Herrera-Flanigan said. “The govern- a reasonable timeline?” “Absent some major bad event, the ment has struggled to address [cy- SENATE He said there is “very little pros- odds are very long” against any cy- bersecurity] for more than 25 years.” pect” of the 113th Congress crafting bersecurity legislation passing either Nonetheless, she is more sanguine Republicans 100 seats Democrats and enacting a cybersecurity bill this chamber this year, Mr. Lewis said. than Mr. Lewis about the prospects for year, as new leaders assume command “Politics stopped them from doing it legislation in the new Congress. 45 53 of the committees and subcommittees last year. Nothing’s changed in that “We will see a lot of activity in the that would produce such legislation. regard.” 113th Congress on the cyber front,” The Senate Homeland Security Part of the diffi culty for Congress she said.

“Th ere are so many elements and aspects of our online lives that are touched by ever-changing technology that putting together policies and laws that don’t become antiquated and yet address the concerns 2 of all the relevant stakeholders is not easily done. Th e government Independents has struggled to address [cybersecurity] for more than 25 years.” Both independents caucus with Democrats Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, former general counsel and staff director of the House Committee on Homeland Security Source: www.Senate.gov TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 ☆ R D9 D10 ☆ R TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 The113 thCongress Unresolved fi scal issues threaten more bitter battles No sign of agreement on sequestration, debt ceiling

BY SEAN LENGELL

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

he bitter partisan fi ghts on taxes and spending that dominated the past Congress — highlighted by the “fi scal cliff ” battle — likely will continue to boil this year. TSeveral big money issues left by the previous Congress are coming due in a few weeks, most notably automatic across-the-board spending cuts, an expiring stopgap mea- sure to fund federal agencies and the need to fi nd more space under the government’s encroaching debt ceiling. With President Obama’s budget due in February and broader tax reforms on everyone’s to-do list, 2013 is shap- ing up to be a busy year for congressional appropriators and tax writers. Yet whether lawmakers can rise above the partisan fray and pass any long-term and meaningful fi xes is anyone’s ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOGRAPHS guess. President Obama shakes hands with Sen. John Kerry, Massachusetts Democrat, his choice to be the next secretary of state, as he makes the an- Among the fi rst major fi scal challenges facing the 113th nouncement at the White House on Dec. 21. If confi rmed by his fellow senators, it will necessitate a special election to fi ll his Senate seat. Congress is how to avoid the “sequester” spending cuts scheduled to kick in March 1. The series of cuts in federal spending — delayed two months as part of the eleventh- hour deal to avoid the fi scal cliff in the new year — would Exits by Clinton, Panetta, others reduce the budgets of most agencies and programs by 8 percent to 10 percent. The cuts were conceived in the 2011 debate over the debt ceiling with the idea that instituting a “trigger” of such to alter face of 2nd-term Cabinet deep, indiscriminate across-the-board cuts would force both parties to work together to fi nd better ways to attack the BY DAVE BOYER problem of the federal debt and defi cit. THE WASHINGTON TIMES Both parties loathe the sequester, though for diff erent reasons. Republicans insist on cuts in expensive entitle- resident Obama will ment programs such as Medicaid while resisting defense begin his second term cuts. Many Democrats are open to trims in Pentagon with a much diff erent spending but are fi ercely protective of social welfare and leadership team than entitlement programs. Neither side has shown a willing- his first four years, ness to budge. Pwith several of the key chairs in his Cabinet room yet to be fi lled. Funding challenge Leaving are some of the most Lawmakers also must fi gure out a way to keep the prominent players during Mr. federal government funded through the year or risk a Obama’s first term, including politically perilous government shutdown. Congress Secretary of State Hillary Rod- failed to pass a yearlong spending plan last year, forcing ham Clinton, Defense Secretary lawmakers to implement a six-month stopgap — known Leon E. Panetta and Treasury Attorney General Eric H. Holder as a continuing resolution — in late September in order Secretary Timothy F. Geithner. Jr. is perhaps the member of the to avert a government shutdown when the current fi s- Attorney General Eric H. Holder president’s Cabinet that congres- cal year began Oct. 1. That temporary measure expires Jr. is expected to stay for another sional Republicans would most March 27. year at most. like to see leave. Mr. Holder is House and Senate appropriations committee leaders say Energy Secretary Steven Chu expected to remain in the post at they are determined to craft and pass a spending plan for is likely departing as well, after a least for the time being. the rest of fi scal year 2013, which ends Sept. 30. Republicans tenure that was marred by costly particularly abhor stopgap measures because they gener- solar-energy funding scandals Management and Budget and ally keep spending rates at the status quo, robbing them of such as Solyndra. Another ad- worked at Citigroup, is viewed an opportunity to cut what they consider to be wasteful, ministration lightning rod, EPA as the front-runner. Mr. Chenault redundant and obsolete programs. Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, could end up serving as a presi- “Funding the government in short increments — without also has confi rmed she is heading dential adviser or leading the addressing the details for each program — is not the right for the exit. Commerce Department, where way to govern and not something that should be common The president has encoun- Rebecca Blank has served as act- practice,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman tered problems fi lling some of ing secretary since the resigna- Hal Rogers, Kentucky Republican, said on the chamber these posts almost immediately tion last June of John Bryson. fl oor last year. after his re-election on Nov. 6. Mr. Geithner probably will not But with partisan gridlock showing no signs of abating, Early on, the White House sig- step down until after all the is- speculation persists that the new Congress simply will naled that Mr. Obama hoped to sues involved in the “fi scal cliff ” extend the temporary spending measure through Septem- nominate U.N. Ambassador Susan negotiations with Congress are ber instead of doing the heavy lifting needed to create a E. Rice to replace Mrs. Clinton at ironed out in the coming months. new plan. the State Department. But Mrs. At Energy, among the names Rice’s candidacy was scuttled by being mentioned as replacements Without a budget her election-year role in promot- for Mr. Chu are former Colorado Meanwhile, Congress is required by law to pass a budget ing a misleading characterization Gov. Bill Ritter; John Podesta, for fi scal year 2014 by April 15, then write the annual spend- of the terrorist attack on the U.S. Mr. Obama and his chief of staff , Jack Lew, confer. Mr. Lew, who previ- founder of the liberal Center for ing and tax laws to carry out the budget’s targets. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, in ously served as the president’s Offi ce of Management and Budget American Progress; and Kathleen That didn’t happen in 2012 for the third straight year, as which Ambassador to Libya J. chief, is said to be under consideration for Treasury secretary. McGinty, former chairwoman of Senate Democrats refused to take up the House Republican- Christopher Stevens and three the White House Council on En- drafted budget while failing to off er a plan of their own. other Americans died. vironmental Quality in the Clinton The last time the Senate passed a budget was in 2009, when Her withdrawal all but declined to take the easy route despite the fl ak that both choices administration. At EPA, Deputy Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress and the clinched Mr. Obama’s decision with two of his top national se- have already drawn. Administrator Bob Perciasepe is White House. to formally nominate Sen. John curity choices, announcing Mon- Mr. Hagel is a Vietnam veteran considered a candidate to replace The president’s annual budget is due in February, though F. Kerry, Massachusetts Demo- day that he would proceed with who opposed the troop surge in Ms. Jackson, who has come under it is unlikely that it will gain much — if any — traction, crat and chairman of the Senate the nominations of former Sen. Iraq in 2007 under then-President fi re for, among other things, using as both houses of Congress overwhelmingly rejected the Foreign Relations Committee, Chuck Hagel, Nebraska Repub- George W. Bush. Jewish groups a secondary email account to con- president’s proposal last year. as his next secretary of state. lican, as defense secretary and are questioning his commitment duct offi cial business. Also looming is the federal government’s self-imposed Senators of both parties say the John Brennan, his counterterror- to Israel, while gay activists have Mr. Holder, a target of Repub- borrowing limit, which is expected to be reached by late 2004 Democratic presidential ism adviser and a career Central highlighted what they say are past lican lawmakers who accuse him February. nominee will win a relatively easy Intelligence Agency offi cer, to comments by Mr. Hagel seen as of stonewalling their investigation Republicans generally want a dollar of spending confi rmation. succeed retired Gen. David H. insensitive to gays. into Justice’s Fast and Furious cuts for every dollar that the so-called debt ceiling Mr. Obama has already Petraeus as the head of the CIA, Mr. Hagel would be Mr. gun-walking operation, is likely is raised. Democrats accuse Republicans of holding Obama’s second Republican de- to stay on temporarily. One of the economy hostage because the financial markets fense secretary. Robert M. Gates the possible candidates for the likely would nose-dive if the government exceeds its served for more than two years at job is Massachusetts Gov. Deval borrowing limit and defaults on its loans. Mr. Obama the Pentagon under Mr. Obama Patrick. has vowed not to bargain with lawmakers over a debt as a holdover from Mr. Bush’s Also expected to stay in Mr. ceiling increase — as he did in the summer 2011 stand- second term. Obama’s Cabinet for the time off — but will be hard-pressed to impose his will on The CIA post opened up un- being are Health and Human Republicans. expectedly after revelations of Services Secretary Kathleen Se- The new Congress also will be pressed to deal Mr. Petraeus extramarital aff air belius and Labor Secretary Hilda with renewing the payroll-tax “holiday” that expired in November. But Mr. Brennan L. Solis. It’s not clear whether for more than 160 million American workers at the has been criticized for his record Homeland Security Secretary end of 2012. during the Bush administration Janet A. Napolitano will stay The 2 percentage point Social Security tax cut allowed for what some say was a fail- on. She told a newspaper a few a worker earning $50,000 to keep about an extra $19 a ure to block and months ago she was thinking of week. Mr. Obama pushed for the tax cut in 2010 as a way other enhanced interrogation moving back home to Arizona to increase workers’ take-home pay to help boost consumer techniques practiced in the early after Mr. Obama’s fi rst term. spending and provide a spark for the economy. The initial years of the war on terrorism. Democratic aides also have tax cut was for only a year but was extended through 2012. For the Treasury job, the presi- said they have heard no inklings Despite Republicans’ appetite for tax cuts, many in the dent is considering his current that Rob Nabors, who leads the party question whether the payroll cut did much to stimu- chief of staff , Jack Lew, and Ken- president’s legislative-aff airs of- late the economy. They also said they were concerned that Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner, seen here Dec. 2 on CBS’ “Face neth Chenault, CEO of American fi ce, is planning to leave. He’s it threatened the independent revenue stream that funds the Nation,” probably won’t step down until aft er all the budget issues Express Co. Mr. Lew, who has been in the high-burnout job for Social Security. that remain in the wake of the “fi scal cliff ” deal are resolved. led the White House Offi ce of about two years. TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 ☆ R D11 The113 thCongress Staring down the sequester barrel Pentagon cuts could idle civilian defense workers by thousands

BY KRISTINA WONG

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

he 113th Congress’ most pressing defense-related concern will be the military’s budget, despite the previous Congress having averted the so-called “fi scal cliff .” TCome March 1, automatic spending cuts will begin slicing $500 billion from the Pentagon’s budget over the next 10 years — and prompting layoff s for as many as 800,000 civilian Defense Department workers. “The onus is on Congress to avoid it once and for all,” Pentagon press secretary George Little said last week. The 112th Congress’ fi scal cliff deal, the Ameri- can Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, delayed until March 1 the start of across-the-board, automatic spending cuts known as sequestration. The fed- eral government would have to begin cutting its spending by about $1 trillion over the next decade, with the Pentagon accounting for about half of that reduction. U.S. offi cials said that, if sequestration begins in March, about $42.5 billion would be cut from the defense budget over the following seven months. Civilian workers would be notifi ed of layoff s after sequestration has begun and would be given about 30 days’ advance notice. Layoff s would not occur all at once, but would be carried out on a rolling basis for a maximum of 22 days. How the fi scal cliff deal will aff ect the fi scal 2013 and 2014 defense budgets was not immedi- ately clear. “There will probably be some impact to this year’s budget. We don’t know precisely what that number is … details are still being worked out,” Mr. Little said. “Our budget colleagues are working very hard to analyze [the fi scal 2014 budget] and to coordinate closely with the Offi ce of Manage- ment and Budget.” The Defense Department is operating on a continuing resolution that will expire March 27. By then, the Senate will have to pass the 2013 defense appropriation bill to fund military spending for the rest of the fi scal year, which ends Sept. 30. Top national security concerns for Congress in 2013 include Iran’s nuclear program, the U.S. “pivot” to the Asia-Pacifi c region, al Qaeda’s op- erations in Africa and Middle East, Syria’s civil war and the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. Additionally, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta is expected to step down, and his replacement would face a Senate confi rma- tion hearing. Congress already has levied fresh sanctions against Iran in an eff ort to persuade the regime ASSOCIATED PRESS from trying to develop atomic weapons. The issue Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, soon to step down, addresses the troops during a visit to Kandahar airfi eld in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Dec. 13. will take on more urgency this year as Tehran approaches the so-called “zone of immunity” — the time after which a military strike cannot set rethink of the year-old military strategy behind organization has been badly weakened, but it’s military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, where back Iran’s nuclear program. Israeli leaders for it, a defense offi cial said. important to keep the pressure on them,” said about 66,000 U.S. troops are fi ghting Taliban months have been mulling a strike on the Islamic In addition, lawmakers will continue to Christopher Preble, director of foreign-policy and al Qaeda forces. President Obama is to soon republic’s nuclear sites. monitor al Qaeda, its affi liates and other vio- studies at the Cato Institute. announce how many U.S. troops will remain in Meanwhile, the Pentagon will keep Congress lent extremist groups operating in Africa and Congress also is requiring the defense secre- Afghanistan after 2014, which will determine apprised of its shift of military assets to the Asia- the Middle East. The 2013 National Defense tary to submit an assessment of limited military the pace of the withdrawal in 2013 through the Pacifi c — a region noted for large and developing Authorization Act allocates funds for training activities that could weaken the Syrian govern- end of 2014. economies but also roiled by various territorial and equipping allied nations to defeat terrorists ment’s ability to use air power against civilians Lawmakers also will allocate funds for Afghan disputes, North Korean provocations and Chinese in Yemen and North Africa, as well as Somalia, and opposition groups, and submit a review of National Security Forces after 2014, when all U.S. maritime assertiveness. Sequestration likely Mali and Nigeria. Russia’s military support to Syria. and international combat forces are due to leave would impact the pivot to Asia and require a “The good news is that al Qaeda as an Members of Congress also will oversee the the country.

BY BEN WOLFGANG these overreaching regulations, THE WASHINGTON TIMES but they’re not going to go any- Obama holds key to sources of energy where,” Mr. von Schaumburg America’s energy outlook said. Senate Majority Leader this year will be, more than ever expect Mr. Obama to embrace She has led what many on the rules are going to be when states. The process has trans- Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, before, tied to how the federal in his second term. the left consider a successful they come out.” formed the American energy “is not going to ever put them government approaches the “We’re confi dent that he’s four-year term, but also has en- Another item at the top of landscape and put the nation on his agenda.” issue of climate change — and going to tackle it. He’s had countered several major embar- the EPA hit list is greenhouse- on track to free itself from de- Republicans, buoyed by how much leverage the new a very good start,” said Josh rassments, including an ongo- gas emissions, viewed as a main pendence on foreign oil within sweeping gains in the House Congress will have to help or Saks, legislative director for the ing investigation in her use of contributor to climate change. the next two decades — an in the 2010 elections, have hinder those eff orts. National Wildlife Federation’s secret email accounts. The Obama administration has unimaginable scenario even a tried over the past two years Many of President Obama’s advocacy center, citing the ad- Whoever takes over the imposed a ban on new coal-fi red few years ago. to rein in regulations and limit supporters expect real action. ministration’s drive to improve agency, one thing is certain: plants, but likely will pursue The EPA is in the midst of wasteful government invest- Although it’s unlikely that a auto fuel standards and other The EPA will move ahead this equally onerous restrictions on a massive study to determine ment into renewable fuels. The federal carbon tax or a revived steps taken in the name of year with a litany of rules, existing plants. whether the practice contrib- House last year passed several “cap-and-trade” pollution-con- fi ghting climate change in his including a tightening of the Congressional Republicans utes to water pollution and con- measures to stop what they say trol system could be imple- fi rst term. ozone standard, that critics fear the greenhouse gas lim- tamination of local drinking is the administration’s “war on mented — House Republicans “The carbon [issue] is the contend will hold back the its eventually will cause great sources. The report may be a coal,” and passed the “No More will have none of it — the ad- big enchilada for us right now. energy and power generation harm to broad swaths of the precursor to sharp federal limits Solyndras Act,” legislation ministration and its environ- We’re going to make sure that sectors of the economy and economy, including consumers, on fracking. meant to ensure that taxpay- mentalist allies still have cards the president pays attention to ultimately may cost tens of employers and homeowners Environmentalists and many ers never again lose hundreds to play. Congress will have some this,” Mr. Saks said. thousands of jobs. who rely on power plants. congressional Democrats are of millions of dollars in failed say in what happens to Ameri- Although the Keystone The EPA last month re- “It’s not just coal plants pushing for restrictions, even investments in solar- or wind- can fossil-fuel production, sub- project may be the highest- leased the fi nal version of its that will be affected. Under though Mr. Obama has ex- power technology. sidies for wind and solar power profi le energy fi ght this year, controversial boiler “maximum the Clean Air Act, churches, pressed support for expanded In the end, any signifi cant and other key energy matters, the administration is poised to achievable control technol- schools, restaurants, hospitals domestic drilling. energy legislation stands little but most of the important deci- ratchet up its regulatory agenda ogy” standard, better known and farms will eventually be Congressional Republicans chance of clearing the divided sions will be made in the White in other areas, though it fi rst as the Boiler MACT rule. It will regulated,” according to a report remain skeptical of Mr. Obama’s Congress. That leaves the White House. must fi ll a key vacancy on its greatly limit emissions from issued by Republican members words and the EPA study. They House and its EPA to write en- Chief among those is policy team. industrial boilers, heaters and of the Senate Committee on have questioned the EPA’s sci- ergy and environmental policy whether to approve the Key- similar sources. Environment and Public Works. ence given the agency’s un- with limited input from the stone XL pipeline, a mas- A new EPA head “I don’t think you’re going to successful attempts to indict House and Senate. sive Canada-to-Texas proj- Mr. Obama has not nomi- see a slowdown of regulations. Fracking fi ghts fracking as harmful to sources “The administration is look- ect that backers say could nated a permanent replacement Right now, the EPA is geared up The EPA also has its sights of drinking water. ing at the laws in existence, re- transform North American for Environmental Protection to get them out the door,” said set on hydraulic fracturing, Those Republicans ulti- interpreting them and pushing energy markets but one that Agency Administrator Lisa Ken von Schaumburg, a D.C. or “fracking,” the controver- mately have few viable options them through the regulatory many environmentalists see P. Jackson, who recently an- lawyer who served as deputy sial technique used to extract to slow down the agency’s process much further than the as a major concession in the nounced that she would be step- general counsel at the EPA dur- oil and natural gas from areas eff orts. law was ever intended,” Mr. von larger fight to reduce carbon ping down after the president’s ing the George W. Bush admin- such as the Marcellus Shale that “There have been numerous Schaumburg said. “This admin- emissions. State of the Union address this istration. “The agenda is set. It’s stretches across a number of proposals put out by the Repub- istration is not letting Congress That is a fi ght that many month. just a matter of how stringent Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern lican House to try and stymie make law.” D12 ☆ R TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013