Is Congress Failing Us With Its Frivolous Furlough?

In it's article about Congress' choice to adjourn for the year, USA today was critical of Congresses lack of productivity.  While noting that they have made accomplishments in the areas of economic stimulus and health care reform, the article also notes the lack of other accomplishments.  Not lacking however, are the "fundraisers" and cocktail parties our politicians seem to be so fond of attending.


Going on to examine specific issues Congress has failed to address this year, the article discusses the food scares of last year. Salmonella-tainted eggs, bad spinach and tomatoes... the list goes on.  A bill that would supposedly help deal with the issue and divert money and resources to the FDA is being blocked by Sen. Tom Coburn R-Okla., because he insists the sponsors of the bill find a way to pay for the measure before they pass it. Also citing  mines that need modified safety measures, some big ticket issues such as immigration and global warming, as well as taxes, since the Bush era tax cuts are set to expire at the end of this year. Did Congress put measures in place to mediate the end of those tax cuts? Nope. Not to mention addressing the national debt.


The article quips that the respective parties have "backed so far into their idealogical corners that compromise is next to impossible", which I think is a fair assessment... at least judging from the actions of Congress.  I think the article does a fair job of stating things as they are - Congress has not addressed key issues.  But at the same time, they do mention in passing the issues they have made some progress on.  I would've liked to see more specific examples instead of broad claims in order to make this article less of an opinion and more of a reliable source, but it was interesting nonetheless.  You can't argue with the logic that the actions of Congress do not fair well when held in the same light as their job requirements. As the article states, they do seem more interested in keeping their jobs than doing them.  With election season fast approaching, maybe it's time for voters to remind elected officials of their purpose... by electing new ones.