Most Senators have left Washington for the Thanksgiving recess, but a few Democrats are keeping the Senate in business, technically speaking: The skeleton crew isn't actually doing anything besides gaveling the non-voting sessions in and out twice a week. Majority Leader Harry Reid says this gambit is intended to thwart "controversial recess appointments." . . . The real story is that Democrats are opting for a stunt to show their MoveOn.org base that the party is "confronting" Mr. Bush. In a microsession Tuesday, Virginia Democrat Jim Webb presided over an empty chamber for less than a minute, then left. Come to think of it, given their accomplishments so far, Democrats might as well have spent the entire fall doing the same thing.The Democrats’ lack of accomplishments certainly looms large as the final month of this session approaches. There is little time and a great deal left undone. Congress has still not addressed the alternative minimum tax, which, if left unpatched, will affect 23 million taxpayers next year.
Democrats have also suggested that they want to pass energy legislation before Congress leaves for Christmas and there is still the matter of FISA reform. Most importantly, Congress still has not passed bridge funds for the troops into next year, which could force military base closures in February, according to DOD Secretary Robert Gates.
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