Dawn of the new Congress

The 111th Congress will be sworn in on Tuesday.

Congressional leaders almost certainly face quick action on the economy, with promises -- if not prospects -- of bipartisanship. And the Minnesota delegation heads to Washington one member short.

Political scientist Steven Smith of Washington University joins Midday's Gary Eichten with a preview.

Guests

• Steven Smith: Director of the Weidenbaum Center on the Economy, Government and Public Policy at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

More from MPR

• National panel wants higher gas taxes to fund highways
  January 1, 2009
• Officials: tracking bailout money is difficult
  December 31, 2008
• Defying Senate, Ill. governor names Obama replacement
  December 30, 2008
• No winner in Senate race until 2009
  December 23, 2008
• President Bush: Automakers to get $17.4 billion
  December 19, 2008

Resources

• Weidenbaum Center on the Economy, Government, and Public Policy