Most of the news coverage over the last couple weeks has been the ongoing labor battles in Wisconsin, Ohio, and other states. We've also been keeping an eye on the Middle East, particularly Libya. Because of this, the goings-on in the US Congress have mostly flown under the radar. Perhaps it's time we take a closer look.

Despite the House's "need" to take a week off as a funding crisis was looming, threatening a government shutdown, they are still focusing on trying to reduce the deficit. It seemed the Republicans were planning on doing the opposite of whatever Obama wanted, regardless of the consequences, but they finally came to their senses. So what else is going on in the Houses of Congress?

In a blatant power play, they are trying to neuter the EPA, especially with regards to climate regulations. Because, of course - global warming is a myth, right? Never mind that a study has shown that air pollution can reduce life by 2 years. We just need to let the market decide how much pollution is too much. Conserving natural resources is apparently not conservative.

They are also busy with useless bills like the latest one preventing federal funds from being used to pay for abortions, even though the Hyde Amendment has been handling that since 1976. But hey - it's never too early to pander to your base for the next election cycle.

Sometimes, they get it right. Both parties have panned on the idea of introducing a VAT (Value-Added Tax). These are quite common in "socialist" Europe, despite it being a regressive tax. What's interesting is that the so-called "Fair Tax" is essentially the same thing. I guess a lot of Republicans like THAT one because it's All-American, not French.

Despite the Republican Congress essentially doing nothing but posturing, the job situation continues to improve. They have to decide whether they want to take credit for that for the 2012 election, or forge ahead with their budget-busting that will throw hundreds of thousands on the unemployment rolls like their supporters want. Damned if you do; damned if you don't... Governing is hard (especially when it clashes with politics)...

So how do most Americans want the budget balanced? Raise taxes on the rich and cut the Defense budget. The latter will likely result in some increase in unemployment as well (unless defense contractors can retool for civilian projects). Other job-killing moves include the free-trade agreements that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are pushing for. These are always touted as "opening up markets for American products", but when they are with poorer countries (as these are), the only "products" that get exported are jobs.

I made my suggestions in my last blog, but is anybody listening? Contact your CongressCritters, and let them know they need to do what's right for MOST Americans, not what will look good on their next election campaign. Otherwise, they are just wasting time and taxpayer dollars.