Tensions in Congress running high, gridlock to continue.

• Author: Book, Elizabeth G.
• Position: Washington Pulse - Brief Article

"In fighting in the authorizing committees," will be a mark of the upcoming year in Congress, said a congressional expert. Legislation to create a homeland security department, transportation security administration and passage of a war on terrorism resolution were highlights in a year characterized by congressional gridlock. That gridlock is expected to continue through 2003, the official said.

"The only thing we're going to have this year is a defense appropriations bill, but there will be huge pressure to do better than last year, where only two of the 13 authorization bills were passed," he said.

Tensions are running high in Congress, and "pots are just...