Few sessions of Congress have been so defined by gridlock and ideological strife as the first half of the 112th. The members broke new ground in their obstructionism and intransigence, leaving even the most seasoned political observers in awe of the apparent dysfunction plaguing our national’s capital. If you’re thinking it can’t possibly be any worse, welcome to the election year edition. Read more

The Second Session of the 112th Congress, which begins work later this month (the House of Representatives on January 17, Senate on January 23), is expected to open much as it closed in December: in a word, contentiously. By the time Members return to Washington, less than five weeks will remain in the two-month extension of the payroll tax holiday and unemployment benefits package which narrowly passed last session. Read more