David Brooks grades the performance of the new Democratic Congress. The short version:

Ethics reform: A-
Energy policy: A-
Stem cells: B
Minimum wage: B-
Studen loans: C-
9/11 Recommendations: C-
Prescription Drugs: D

Brooks concludes:

In conclusion, if a wonky Mr. Chips were to step back and render a judgment on the new Congress so far, he'd note that it's not a terribly ambitious student. It hasn't tried anything big. It has a weakness for showy symbolism and middle-class subsidies. Still, at least it hasn't humiliated the nation the way the last Congress did, and it looks set to do some modest good.

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