Unliked but Effective, Congress Adjourns

Say goodbye to the 111th Congress, which met for the final time Wednesday. This set of lawmakers passed landmark legislation from the $814 billion economic stimulus and the giant health care reform act to new regulations on Wall Street trading. In its final weeks, it squeaked out major bills on Don't Ask, Don't Tell, among others. Against this productivity were massive displays of resistance as town halls and tea parties rose up to express dissatisfaction. Despite that, one Congressional scholar said the group represented one of the three most productive Congresses in 110 years. "Making sense of all that can make your head burst," he told The Washington Post.