PIP: A change of the US administration and an increase in the number of new members of the US Congress, many of whom are minorities and/or women, in 1993 may strengthen population activities including data collection, demographic research, family planning and population, and policies. In fact, the 1993 freshman class of US House of Representatives is the largest since World War II (110 vs. 118). Women and minorities in the House now comprise 25% of the vote. The US Senate now has the first ever elected African American woman (Carol Mosely Braun [D-IL]) and the first Native American in more than 60 years (Ben Nighthorse Campbell [D-CO]). Even though they are new members, 72% have previous legislative experience. This experience, especially in the era of New Federalism set during the 1980s which resulted in new responsibilities without additional resources, has prepared them to make compromises. Further, the new members tend to be moderates. Moreover, 33% were elected to office by margins less than 60% and are therefore candidates for targeting by the opposition. In addition, the huge federal budget deficit concerns the public. Thus, Congress and the new administration will probably have to focus on deficit reduction rather than on population and social issues. There will also be competition over available funds coming from the cut to defense spending. Therefore, it is difficult to predict spending levels for population and population-related issues. Yet there appears to be support for family planning programs and clinics, passage of the Family Medical Leave Act, environmental policies, and implementing 2 studies of sexual behavior. There is uncertainty about the level of support for international family planning, however.