With growth stalled, the pressure is on governments across Europe, not just ones using the single currency, to cut spending in order to meet debt obligations.

BBC: Europe leaders warn of difficult 2012

Negotiations between the airline and the unions have stalled, despite Spanish government pressure and the appointment of a mediator.

CNN: Workers at Spain's Iberia airline step up strike action

Without such U.S. pressure, Clinton fears the stalled peace process will completely collapse.

CNN: Clinton To Meet With Netanyahu Today - 01-19-98

Democrats hope to pressure the House Republican leadership to a vote on reform legislation that has been stalled for months.

CNN: President: New numbers show changes wouldn't be too costly

The pressure from regulators was so strong at one point last fall that Bank of America stalled foreclosures in order to re-examine the way it was handling the process.

FORBES: Bank Of America Expands Mortgage Help Centers Across U.S.

But momentum on federal legislation has stalled in Congress, and President Barack Obama has planned a trip to Connecticut on Monday to step up pressure to pass a bill.

WSJ: Connecticut Lawmakers Pass Wide-Ranging Gun-Control Bill