Washington, D.C
The 109th Congress drew to a close last week, ending one of the most contentious and least productive sessions in U.S. history. "Our leadership and some of our members grew arrogant in their own power," said Rep. Zach Wamp, a Tennessee Republican, "and with arrogance comes corruption." The 109th Congress met only 241 times in its two-year session—fewer days than the notorious "do-nothing" Congress of 1947–48—and was hit by scandals ranging from influence-peddling to sexual misconduct. Most workweeks began on Tuesdays and ended Thursdays. In November, Democrats won majorities in both houses, and the incoming leadership has promised a five-day workweek when the new Congress convenes in January.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Donald Trump’s week in Asia: can he shift power away from China?Today's Big Question US president’s whirlwind week of diplomacy aims to bolster economic ties and de-escalate trade war with China
-
The Icelandic women’s strike 50 years onIn The Spotlight The nation is ‘still no paradise’ for women, say campaigners
-
Mall World: why are people dreaming about a shopping centre?Under The Radar Thousands of strangers are dreaming about the same thing and no one sure why
