The smartest man on earth, a virtual demigod, has just punted.
He is looking for a way out. He won’t go it alone, so he wants to either have Congress to blame for blocking action or to share the blame if things go wrong. If things are even marginally successful he will claim full credit and that he had to drag Congress kicking and screaming into action.
Don't worry because we have the smartest women on earth waiting her turn. Yes, we truly are a Banana Republic.