Nation: Midterm: A Gentleman's C

As it adjourns, Congress barely merits a passing grade

When the 96th Congress was gaveled into session last January, members talked solemnly about sensing a new mood of conservatism across the land, about voters demanding less spending, less legislation, less Government. "Go slow," warned the electorate, and Congress did just that. The mood lingered. When new crises forced new problems on Congress, progress remained slow. As they adjourned for the year-end holidays, the Senators and Representatives left unresolved some pressing national issues that they will have to confront when they reconvene on Jan. 22.

The crisis that shaped the direction of this Congress...