This Congress Is the Least Productive in Decades

The Los Angeles Times takes stock of the accomplishments of the 112th Congress, and it isn't pretty: This Congress "is on pace to be one of the least productive in recent memory—as measured by votes taken, bills made into laws, nominees approved," writes Kathleen Hennessey. It's behind even what Harry Truman called the “do-nothing Congress” of 1948, along with the group consumed with impeaching Bill Clinton.

Observers cite Washington’s bout of "hyperpartisanship," which has made previously routine votes into landmines. Republicans blame Harry Reid for ducking difficult votes, and Democrats complain that Republicans won’t work on anything President Obama might sign. Nominee confirmations have slowed to a trickle. But veterans aren’t worried. “If you're not comfortable with delay, frustration and impatience, get out of the Senate,” Richard Durbin quipped. “I think we've taken it to an art form.” (More 112th Congress stories.)