Good housekeeping

Politics | Lame-duck lawmakers slash and spend under low-key new leadership | Bob Jones

Two weeks after historic elections that decimated Democratic power on Capitol Hill, lawmakers returned to Washington for a week of housekeeping. They had to choose leaders, spend billions of dollars, and argue over differing versions of House and Senate bills—all the things that Congress always does. Still, the session was remarkable for more than just its short duration. It was also remarkably quiet, as chastened Democrats struggled to find their voice and define their values.

On Nov. 16, Democratic senators meeting behind closed doors chose Nevada's Harry Reid as their new leader. Tom Daschle, though still technically in charge until the new Congress convenes on Jan. 3, allowed his former No. 2 to take the spotlight, using the lame-duck session as a test run for what is certain to be a difficult two years. With only 44 senators on his side of the aisle, Mr. Reid will lead the smallest Democratic minority since Herbert Hoover sat in the Oval Office.