Coping with Congress.

The article discusses the continuing problems between Congress and White House on budget and governing process with appropriation bills unlikely to be settled until after the elections when Republicans hope to take control of the Senate and increase their leverage. It notes how oversight hearings in Congress have become partisan hits instead of offering constructive assistance for agencies or programs. It indicates that lawmakers have repeatedly flinched at essential decisions to reduce bases. INSET: EPA and Congress clash over regulatory authority.