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.
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