Shepherding an immigration bill through Congress may be a daunting task, but snuffing one out is beginning to look more daunting still.
Kevin Rudd has been sworn in as prime minister for a second time, three years after being deposed, and now faces the daunting task of reworking policy and replacing more than one-third of the cabinet just months before an election.
Without him, though, Leonardo's task will look far more daunting.
In his new year message, the prime minister insists that despite daunting economic challenges the country is on the right track, with the deficit forecast to be down by a quarter compared with a year ago, and half a million more people in work.
Many people who read those stories want to help, but feel overwhelmed when faced with daunting problems.
"The thought of having to move suddenly, or the rent going up" is hugely daunting, she says.
"When we were set our first essay, we were given a 10-page guide to referencing, which was a bit daunting.
Suddenly the idea of cycling 160 miles from London to Amsterdam over three days seemed rather daunting.
With so much to learn and so many paths to consider, we know the journey to becoming an educator can be a daunting one.
Even if you leave aside the historic neuralgia that these places hold for a lot of nationalist-minded Irish people, the sheer logistical and security challenges they pose are daunting.
He admits that until now the prospect of spending £100,000 has been "daunting" and "out of my league", but the Elstones believe they are now at the foot of the feted property ladder, and may well purchase something soon.
