Unfortunately, despite passage of a federal law in 2007 requiring states to report individuals who should be barred from firearm possession due to mental illness, many states are lagging behind in making such records available.

FORBES: Move up http://i.forbesimg.com t Move down

Having bipartisan support for immigration reform will not ensure passage -- it didn't for President George W. Bush in 2007 -- but without it, chances are even slimmer.

CNN: Five reasons why time may be right for immigration reform

Details of the deal are expected to be released Friday evening, but business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Consumer Electronics Association and others have long called for passage of the agreement, negotiated by the Bush administration but put on the back burner since 2007.

FORBES: Business Groups To Welcome U.S.-Korea Trade Deal

Even in 2007, when the previous record for melting was set, and satellite pictures showed the passage to be entirely clear of ice, there was only a short period of open water.

BBC: The 'big melt' at the roof of the world

On December 20, 2007, the CEOs of nineteen major American companies wrote a letter to the House and Senate leadership urging passage of the FTA with Colombia.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: We must stand with Colombia