The Senate begins its lame duck session today. The House apparently is unwilling to tackle issues unless the viciously divided Senate acts first, although plans are in order for the House to begin on Wednesday.

At the top of the list is the proposed automakers bailout bill and other legislation aimed at jump-starting the weak US economy. It is not expected that Congress will consider too many amendments. The lobbying effort has been centered on convincing our champions and co-sponsors of the urgency of the issue; whether that argument falls on deaf or active ears remains to be seen.