Rules Changes Must Allow for More Open Process in the House

• By Norman Ornstein
• Roll Call Contributing Writer
• Jan. 7, 2009, Midnight

President-elect Barack Obama has some huge assets to bring to bear as he tries to rapidly enact an enormously ambitious agenda that includes a huge stimulus package and major health care reform. His sweeping election victory has been followed by a sky-high approval rating as his inauguration approaches. He had major league coattails, with his party moving to comfortable majorities in both chambers of Congress, the best numbers since Bill Clinton assumed the presidency in 1993.