President Obama back in Washington after a two-week vacation in Hawaii


President Barack Obama arrived back in Washington Sunday after a two-week vacation in Hawaii, his home state.

The political landscape in Washington has changed since Obama left for Hawaii. Republicans, following mid-term elections that don't include a presidential vote, are now in full control of both houses of Congress.

Many of the lawmakers are eager to begin chipping away at the president's initiatives, especially the Affordable Care Act - commonly called Obamacare - that requires most Americans to purchase health care insurance.

Many legislators also want to do away with Obama's new immigration policy that provides a gateway to U.S. citizenship for undocumented immigrants living in the country illegally.  

As lawmakers settle into Washington this week following the Christmas and New Year's holidays, the president will go on the road with a three-day visit to several U.S. cities to highlight his policies that Democrats say have contributed to America's economic recovery.

The theme of his travels will undoubtedly be a key element of his annual State of the Union address on January 20.

Cuba relations, immigration

Analysts said Obama has been energized by his end-of-the-year actions on immigration policy and Cuban relations.

However, many Republicans object to those actions.

Obama has made it clear that he will use his veto power to block Republican attacks as he enters the last two years of his presidency.

Meanwhile, Republicans said they are looking ahead to the next presidential contest.

Senator-elect Ben Sasse said, “We need to demonstrate the ability to govern, but we also need to admit that the big challenges facing this country are not going to be solved in the next 24 months. We need to set the stage for a 2016 presidential election.”

On the international front, Obama is dealing with the unprecedented hacking of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which Washington blames on Pyongyang.  The president has issued an executive order authorizing expanded sanctions against North Korea. 

Pyongyang has denied involvement in the cyber-attack.

SOURCE: VOA News