Now that the 112th Congress of the United States has been in session for three weeks, it is time to look at the progress of newly revamped Republican representation in their quest to usher in a new conservative agenda.

The Republicans had a 68 seat swing as a result of the midterm elections and now have the majority in the House. Since all of us are so excited to be back at school, I feel that a report card based evaluation is fitting.

Economic: “D”. The Republicans said their number one priority is to cut spending in hope of reducing the national debt. While the deficit is a problem, cutting spending could have devastating effects when we are still in a recession. When spending cuts occurred in both England and Germany, who are in similar economic situations, officials warned thousands of jobs could be lost including 140,000 in England, according to BBC News.

We can’t assume that we will be different. And I feel I speak for the majority of college students in saying I would rather have a bit higher deficit if it meant being able to get a job after I graduate.

But Republicans are already straying away from that philosophy of reducing spending, as just last Wednesday the House passed a resolution to repeal the healthcare bill. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the Republican led repeal would add $230 billion to the federal debt. Wait a second; I thought you said cut spending.

Political Science: “C”. Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Oh, promised to run a more open house and offer plenty of room to suggest amendments. Boehner must have been confused about the definition of open as he didn’t allow Democrats to make any amendments on the bill to repeal the health care law. But Democrats are in good company when it comes to being cheated by Boehnher, just ask his wife. Yikes.

Attendance: “C-“. You would think that attendance shouldn’t be much of a problem, but both Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Tx, and Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick, R-Pa, somehow missed the Oath of Office on Jan. 5. They were allegedly hosting a fundraiser in the Capitol Building, which is funny because that is of course illegal. If I am able to attend my first class at 9:00 am, then they should be able to attend the first session of the year in which they are sworn in.

This however, is not nearly as disturbing as Sarah Palin’s claim that she was a victim of Blood Libel, which means the murder of children to use their blood in certain religious rituals. Her claim came after some speculation regarding one of her websites. Forgive me if I don’t see the connection.

So there you have it. The Republicans have been ecstatic with putting all of the blame of the economy and other issues on the Democrats, but now the tables are turned and Republicans are finding out how hard it is to be on top. I hope your school report card will have better grades.