President Barack Obama proposed an ambitious agenda when he unveiled his budget outline at the end of February. In addition to significant funding increases for many key public investments including housing, education, and job training, the president also put on the table landmark legislation that would provide universal health care and begin addressing global climate change. There are, however, a number of obstacles that may hinder the implementation of the president's agenda. During the week of March 16, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) revised its deficit projection upward, and fiscally conservative senators and representatives noted their intent to hamper the president's efforts through parliamentary procedure. As Congress begins drafting its budget plans, it remains uncertain whether it will include all of the president's spending proposals.
