Legislative expectations were low at the start of this presidential election year. But the economic tailspin prompted lawmakers to tackle a range of issues -- from offshore drilling to home foreclosures and a Wall Street bailout. CQ's Dids and Didn'ts is an interactive guide highlighting the debates that topped the congressional agenda in 2008, and how each was resolved — or not. See what Congress Didn't do ...
Rate how you think Congress handled each issue by clicking on the “thumbs up”, “thumbs down” or “on the fence” icons.
Congress Did ...
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Financial Industry Assistance
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Congress did grant the Treasury secretary broad authority to spend $700 billion acquiring financial assets in the hope of shoring up the economy.
24% 63% 13% Reader Results
Comments (2)
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Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Assistance
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Congress did authorize a financial lifeline for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as part of a mortgage relief bill including a $300 billion trust fund for the Federal Housing Administration to help home borrowers refinance.
53% 34% 13% Reader Results
Comments (2)
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Economic Stimulus Bill
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Congress did provide tax rebates of $600 for most individuals as part of a $152 billion effort to stimulate the economy.
42% 47% 11% Reader Results
Comments (2)
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Offshore Oil Drilling Ban
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Congress did lift limitations on offshore oil drilling.
27% 70% 3% Reader Results
Comments (3)
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Disabilities Act Rewrite
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Congress did expand the reach of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
77% 13% 10% Reader Results
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Mental Health Parity Guarantees
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Congress did require insurers to offer mental health and addiction benefits equal to traditional medical benefits.
83% 11% 5% Reader Results
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'GI Bill' Expansion
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Congress did enact the biggest expansion in 25 years of educational benefits for veterans.
87% 9% 4% Reader Results
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Electronic Surveillance Powers
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Congress did enhance the government’s electronic surveillance power.
19% 76% 5% Reader Results
Comments (1)
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Amtrak Reauthorization
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Congress did clear an Amtrak reauthorization bill that included substantial increases in passenger rail funding and additional safety measures.
76% 18% 6% Reader Results
Comments (1)
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Global AIDS Relief
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Congress did expand the president’s plan to fight AIDS and other infectious diseases overseas.
73% 19% 7% Reader Results
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Federal Debt Limit Increase
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Congress did increase the statutory limit on federal borrowing twice, first to $10.6 trillion and 10 weeks later to $11.3 trillion.
15% 70% 14% Reader Results
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Defense Authorization
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Congress did clear a $611.1 billion defense authorization bill, which included $68.6 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
35% 56% 9% Reader Results
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Farm Programs Reauthorization
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Congress did boost spending on nutrition programs, preserve crop subsidies and expand conservation programs in a five-year rewrite of the farm bill enacted over a presidential veto.
31% 55% 14% Reader Results
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