[takno]

I recall an 8 year stretch during that period when the Republican party held the presidency, and longer periods when they have controlled the house. It doesn't seem to be an especially high priority for them.

[strictnein]

The blocker was always the Senate when Republican presidents were in power.

[panglott]

Well, except for 2002-2006 when the Republicans controlled all three branches.

[briandh]

They only had a simple majority in the Senate.