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Social Security and Medicare
Their financial problems are well known. But President Bush's unpopularity and the focus on elections mean they will almost certainly languish. Interest in a special commission to address them is growing but still lacks broad support.

Overall health care
This has been a nonstarter for more than a decade. In his last State of the Union speech, President Bush recycled the idea of a tax deduction for families and individuals who purchase their own health insurance. But action on any major health care issue is unlikely until after the elections because both leading Democratic candidates for president have plans they want to enact.

Transportation
A commission reported to Congress in January that a hike in the gas tax of between 25 and 40 cents will be necessary to fix the nation's crumbling transportation infrastructure. In an election year? With gas prices already sky-high?

Education
Any major changes to the "No Child Left Behind" program will probably be left behind this year. This is an issue where partisan differences will likely get in the way of agreement.

Climate change
After seven years of neglect, small progress is at hand. In December, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved a bill for a system of tradable emission credits that is aimed at cutting greenhouse emissions. The Senate really wants to do this one—no one more than Sen. John McCain.