No matter what the intended message from voters, the fact is that the election of Scott Brown (R-Mass) to the Senate has put the brakes on efforts to sign sweeping changes to the existing US health care system into law. As Brown assumes his new role in Congress, he breaks the filibuster-proof majority Democrats have enjoyed in the Senate.

“I would advise that we try to move quickly to coalesce around those elements of the package that people agree on,” said Barack Obama in an interview on ABC News, advising Democrats against trying to "jam [health care reform legislation] through until Scott Brown is seated. … People in Massachusetts spoke. He’s got to be part of that process."

Even House Speaker Nancy Pelosi changed her pre-election stance: before the Massachusetts vote, she vowed health care reform would pass regardless of the race’s outcome. Yet, just days later, she conceded the votes do not exist.

"I don’t think it’s possible to pass the Senate bill in the House," Pelosi told reporters after meeting with her caucus. "I don’t see the votes for it at this time."

Recent Rasmussen polls indicate that the support does not exist among the American people either, with 61% of US voters saying Congress should drop health care reform and focus on more immediate ways to improve the economy and create jobs.

On January 21, Obama announced his proposal that bank regulators should have the power to limit the size of the country’s largest banks.