This is a Surprise?

Commenting on the various healthcare reform bills, Paul Waldman observes,

Terrific, [people] say - I can't wait for my newfound health security! And when do they get it? A little over three years from now. Because in all the versions of reform now moving through Congress, most of the provisions don't take effect until 2013.

The big surprise would be for a significant promise or policy change to be scheduled to occur before the start of a President's second term.