Health care reform a priority in the new legislative year. Congressional leaders outline their agendas on today's vital health issues.

The issue of health care reform set against the backdrop of an election year promises to make 1992 one of the most interesting and significant years in the history of health care policy. This special issue of Hospitals, which coincides with the annual meeting of the American Hospital Association in Washington, DC, brings together the viewpoints of some of the major players in the legislative arena. Congressional leaders expect the 102nd Congress to take unprecedented steps in terms of action on health care reform. Many in the health care field agree that now is the time for action: Among other groups, the AHA considers the status quo unacceptable and is pushing for change. No one knows what the eventual outcome will be, but the mood is shifting toward immediate action. This may be a benchmark year for health care policy.