Congress Calls It Quits

WWLP TV

Brian Mooar

Updated: Aug 2, 2012 3:02 PM

(NBCNC) — Congress is getting ready to pack up and head home for the summer, leaving behind some serious work.

The Republican-controlled House voted to extend the Bush tax cuts to extend tax cuts to all Americans, but that's a plan dead on arrival in the senate.

The house found a way to help drought stricken farmers, but was unable to pass a farm bill,
and help for the cash-strapped Postal Service will have to wait.

The White House and Congressional leaders have agreed to fund the government into the first quarter of next year, but they still haven't figured out how to defuse the massive spending cuts, the so called "fiscal cliff" that kicks in on January 1st if Congress can't find middle ground.

Lawmakers return in September, but it seems unlikely either side will be willing to bend until after the elections.

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