One thing I have always said about my more than two decades of covering the Congress is that I enjoy my job the most when things get done.

I don't care which party is in charge or not in charge.  Covering debates where legislation is actually being approved - instead of filibustered and blocked - is much more fun.

Back in early 1995, it was work, work, as the Gingrich Revolution acted on the Contract with America.  But that was fine, things were getting done.

This year, it's the Democratic Congress that is grinding out bill after bill.

Not only has the economic stimulus been finished, and the big omnibus budget bill with lots of earmarks, but there have also been bills on children's health insurance, a major public lands bill, and on Tuesday, a bill expanding national service programs.

Today in the House, lawmakers will vote on a bill that would subject tobacco to federal health regulations for the very first time.

With a solid majority in both the House and Senate, I would bet that becomes law at some point this year, too.

And don't forget the budget and all the decisions that flow from that.

After years of legislative gridlock, the Democrats have a working majority in both the House and Senate that allows them to push forward on a variety of issues.

For the Dems, it's a big year, a chance to really get a lot of their plans into law.

For the Republicans, you hope to win a few battles here and there, and then find some way to increase your numbers in the 2010 elections.