But in many ways, the Senate debate is about setting the stage for the next administration.

NPR: Senate to Vote on Carbon Cap-and-Trade Bill

The question is, if these talks fail at an early stage, will this administration disengage?

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama News Conference

By focusing primarily on early-stage businesses, the administration is latching onto research that shows that new businesses not small businesses add net new jobs to the economy.

FORBES: Obama's New Stimulus: Highlight High-Growth Entrepreneurs