The following is from an editorial in the Seattle Times:
Congress has passed only 44 substantive bills this year, making the 2013 session one of the least productive in recent history. The yearly average between 1999 and 2012 was 70.
But elected officials could redeem themselves by closing deals on two big measures: a farm bill guiding the nation's food and agricultural policy and a comprehensive immigration reform package.
The former affects regional researchers and farmers, as well as low-income families that rely on food assistance. The latter is critical for businesses to maintain a competitive labor force, both in the high-tech sector and in the fields.
Our delegates should unite and guide both measures to passage before the House plans to adjourn by Dec. 13 and the Senate by Dec. 20.
The sticking point on the farm bill remains cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps). A Senate plan proposes to reduce funding by $4 billion, on top of a $5 billion cut that took effect Nov. 1. That's enough.
House Republicans want even deeper cuts — about $39 billion over 10 years.
Such a drastic move would punish low-income families already struggling.
As for immigration reform, the Senate passed a package that includes enhanced border security, electronic verification requirements for businesses and a long, challenging path to citizenship for some of the 11 million people living here without proper documentation.
For more than two weeks, immigration activists have starved themselves on the National Mall to raise awareness.
Elected officials should heed their message. Go back to Washington, D.C. Get some real work done.