If the Union's common foreign and security policy could be made to live up to its name better, there would be no harm at times, and possibly some good, in having military means to back it up.

ECONOMIST: Defending the Union

With a little technology we could strengthen security and rationalize immigration policy in the bargain.

FORBES: Let's Get the Engineers

Last year, its longtime policy chief John Rother quit after suggesting that some cuts in Social Security benefits could be acceptable.

WSJ: AARP Takes Hard Line Against Entitlement Cuts

"The material compiled by the Center suggests that the security of sensitive American policy deliberations and even the character of decisions affecting East-West economic and related ties could have been seriously compromised by an individual in the positions held by Mr. Bloch, " Gaffney said.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | A Call For A Rigorous Damage Assessment In The Aftermath Of The Felix Bloch Affair

With them in charge of both houses, the president could find it difficult to push through any policy initiatives, such as his proposed social-security reforms, or another economic stimulus package.

ECONOMIST: Too close to call | The