Chronicling the highly partisan and polarized environment during the historic first term of President Barack Obama, Congress and the Nation 2009-2012 Volume XIII is the most authoritative reference on congressional law-making and trends during the 111th and 112th Congresses. The newest edition in this award-winning series documents the most fiercely debated issues during this period, including:

• Stimulus spending in the wake of financial crisis
• The controversial reform of the U.S. healthcare system
• Showdowns over raising the national debt ceiling
• Extensions of tax cuts and unemployment compensation
• Confirmation of two new female members of the U.S. Supreme Court
• Overhaul of financial industry regulations
• Repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" law banning openly gay armed forces personnel from military service

This acclaimed resource also covers the shift in partisan control of the U.S. House after the 2010 midterm election and the subsequent gridlock for lawmaking in the 112th Congress. Organized by policy area, each chapter summarizes the legislative activity, including a chronology and legislative history of the bills passed and the major provisions of the final laws.

No other source guides readers seamlessly through the policy output of the national legislature with the breadth, depth, and authority of Congress and the Nation. This must-have reference for all academic libraries meets the needs of the full spectrum of users, from lower-level undergraduates through researchers and faculty.

01. Politics and National Issues

02. Economic Policy

02A. Economic Policy: Financial Crisis

03. Homeland Security

04: Foreign Policy

05. Defense Policy

06. Transportation and Commerce

07. Energy and Environment

08. Agricultural Policy

09. Health and Human Services

10. Education Policy

11. Housing and Urban Aid

12. Labor and Pensions

13. Law and Justice

13A. Supreme Court

14. General Government

15. Inside Congress

16. The Obama Presidency

Appendix