Will Congress and the president reach compromise in the New Year?

During its lame duck session, the U.S. Congress overcame inter- and intra-party bickering to pass a $1.1 trillion spending bill — the “cromnibus” — and a massive tax extenders package. In his final press conference, President Obama articulated his desire for compromise with the new Republican Congress on issues of common ground. Are the events of the last several weeks a sign of future cooperation or just a fluke? What opportunities for policy agreement do you see?

The odds are very long.

On the plus side, President Obama has a strong desire to leave a positive legacy even beyond what he has already achieved in saving the economy, winding down two wars, protecting the environment and providing healthcare coverage to millions of previously uninsured Americans. And the Republicans have a strong need to prove that they can govern — a tough case to make in light of their performance over the past many years.

The most likely areas would be in tax reform, immigration reform and government procurement reform — all worthy targets.

On the downside, the Tea Party wing of the Republican Party has no interest in making government work effectively, the Republicans don’t hold anything approaching a veto-proof majority and the president has ordered up a whole case of veto pens.

— Mark Greene, Fort Worth

Congress has alienated its constituents and general public with its shenanigans. Acting like a group of oligarchs, Congress labels President Obama as omnipotent when in fact he’s is attempting to negotiate and compromise with the new power mongers, the Republican Party.

So, basically, the preceding weeks have been a fluke.

— Darlene Rogers, Fort Worth

Oh, that it were a stroke of good luck!

Rest assured the U.S. Congress shall be a place of divisiveness and discord.

If there was a moderate amount of dialogue (as opposed to monologue), then business and policies would be advanced.

If people of good faith and good will were present, the county would excel and restore prominence as a leader of the free world.

If the common weal was an ideal and not an abstract notion, then the country would be at the forefront advancing the inherent and positive message of this nation.

We are an affirmative and confident people willing to do what is right and just.

I look into the abyss that is the current Congress and that message is missing.

— Michael Rodriguez, Weatherford

With the new Congress, what we will see is more government shutdowns and the perpetual attempts to cut taxes for the rich and corporations. They will try to impeach Obama, repeal the Affordable Care Act, pass laws to prevent Democrats from voting and stand tall against increasing the minimum wage.

They will also try to de-fund and shut down government agencies they don’t like. It is also in their platform to destroy Social Security.

Congressional Republicans are the real enemies of America.

There should be no place in Congress for people who hate our government and want to shut it down, and who care nothing for the common people.

— Michael Vaught, Arlington

President Obama said that he was willing to negotiate with Congress but he followed that up by saying he was willing to negotiate only on issues that were in agreement with his perceived notions (this is not true negotiation).

Obama has consistently shown that he does not negotiate but only mandates his agenda. If he does not get his way, he attacks Congress.

The only hope for any bills from Congress that benefit the American people to pass is for enough Democrats who fear not being reelected to team up with the Republican majorities in the House and Senate to overturn the vetoes promised by the president.

— Walter H. Delashmit, Justin

While Americans made it loud and clear at the midterm elections in November that they were tired of the Democratic mantra and agenda, I do not foresee President Obama compromising with Republicans who will now control both houses of Congress.

Obama wants what he wants, regardless of what the people indicate to their representatives, and he will get it one way or another through his use of executive action and veto pen.

However, looking at the bright side, he may be willing to discuss and even approve a much-needed tax reform program and also a jobs bill.

If approved, those critically important pieces of legislation would stand tall on his resume after he leaves office, and if it happens I’ll most assuredly give him a big thumbs-up.

— Patrick Jenkins, Arlington

It is just a fluke; I do not see much for policy agreements.

Both sides of the aisle are stiff-necked in compromising.

Many are more concerned about their party lines and party commitments than what is best for our country and the people.

— George J. Anthony,

Fort Worth

This story was originally published January 2, 2015 at 6:12 PM with the headline "Will Congress and the president reach compromise in the New Year?."