Instead of wrapping up a series of measures before heading home for the regular August recess, lawmakers in the House and Senate left Capitol Hill pointing fingers at each other, unable to find agreement on items ranging from drought aid to postal reform and a major cybersecurity bill.
"It’s hard to see that today in the Senate is anything but a setback for our national security," said Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT), who tried to broker an agreement for debate and amendments on the cybersecurity measure.
But when Democrats refused to allow Republicans to offer a series of amendments - some of which were not germane to the cybersecurity bill - then Republicans filibustered, leaving the Senate in gridlock.
The two sides couldn't even agree to formally adjourn the Congress until mid-September, as the House voted down what's known as the "adjournment resolution," as Democrats chanted "Work! Work! Work!" on the House floor, demanding that the GOP stay in town to work on major tax and budget legislation.
"Republicans win a GOLD Medal in the 200m dash away from obligations," tweeted Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NJ).
78 Republicans voted against the adjournment resolution, which means the House and Senate will have to hold quick "pro forma" sessions every three days over the next five weeks, instead of just closing the doors until the week of September 10.
My colleague Molly Hooper of The Hill reported that GOP leaders told those Republicans who voted against the adjournment resolution that they can be the ones who have to be in D.C. to keep the House in session - even during the week of the GOP convention at the end of August.
While Democrats used the "Work! Work! Work!" chant to make their point about Republicans on the House floor, Senate Republicans took one last chance to press the buttons of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, by forcing him to object to efforts to force a vote to repeal the Obama health law.
On the drought aid legislation, the House approved a bill that would mainly aid livestock producers, bringing back four different disaster programs that expired at the end of last year.
But since the House never tried to vote on a major five year Farm Bill, Senate Democrats gave the drought aid bill the back of the hand, prompting yet another round of finger pointing over who is to blame for this and that.
“I am outraged the Senate Democrats left town without even considering the House passed disaster package,” said Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS).
"They are playing politics with a devastating drought," Roberts added.
So, lawmakers won't be back in Washington, D.C. until after the Republican and Democratic conventions.
After that, there are about 12 work days until lawmakers adjourn for the elections.
In other words, don't expect much in the way of legislation until November. Or maybe December.
